The discussion revolves around the properties and classifications of different fields in physics, with a specific focus on the Higgs field. Participants explore the distinctions between classical field theory and quantum field theory, as well as the nature of various types of fields, including scalar, vector, and tensor fields.
Participants express differing views on the classification of the Higgs field and its properties, particularly regarding its locality and comparison to other fields. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives presented.
Participants note limitations in their understanding of the classification of fields and the implications of locality versus non-locality, indicating that further clarification or definitions may be necessary.
cosmik debris said:A field is just a function on a manifold. There are fields of any geometric object like scalars, vectors or tensors of various orders. In physics the Higgs is a scalar or spin 0 field, force carriers are bosons and are described by vector (spin 1) fields. Gravity is described by a tensor field etc, etc. Fields are just a mathematical concept applied to physics. Scalar fields like the Higgs are a little unusual in that there are no other known scalar fields of quantum excitations that manifest as particles.