QFT Book Quote: Looking for Source

In summary, there is a famous QFT textbook that includes the line "in field theory one learns humility." This textbook is likely G. Scharf's Finite quantum electrodynamics, which discusses the idea that a detailed description of a relativistic system with creation and annihilation of particles is unobservable, leading to a focus on scattering theory and the lesson of modesty in field theory.
  • #1
DarMM
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This seems like the best place to ask this.

There is a famous QFT textbook that contains a line like "in field theory one learns humility".

Does anybody happen to know what textbook this is?
 
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  • #2
Perhaps this one:

"The more one thinks about this situation, the more one is led to the conclusion that one should not insist on a detailed description of the system in time. From the physical point of view, this is not so surprising, because in contrast to non-relativistic quantum mechanics, the time behavior of a relativistic system with creation and annihilation of particles is unobservable. Essentially only scattering experiments are possible, therefore we retreat to scattering theory. One learns modesty in field theory."
G. Scharf, Finite quantum electrodynamics. The causal approach, (Springer, Berlin, 1995)
 
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Thanks! That was driving me mad!
 

What is QFT?

QFT stands for Quantum Field Theory, which is a theoretical framework used to describe the behavior of particles and their interactions in the quantum realm.

What is the significance of the quote "Looking for Source" in the QFT book?

The quote "Looking for Source" is a metaphor used in the QFT book to describe the search for a fundamental theory that can explain the behavior of all particles and their interactions.

Who is the author of the QFT book?

The author of the QFT book is not specified in the quote "Looking for Source". It could refer to any author who has written about QFT and the search for a fundamental theory.

What is the purpose of the QFT book?

The purpose of the QFT book is to explore the complexities and mysteries of the quantum realm and to discuss the ongoing search for a fundamental theory that can unite all of physics.

Is the QFT book a reliable source of information about quantum physics?

The reliability of the QFT book as a source of information about quantum physics depends on the author's expertise and the accuracy of the information presented. It is always important to critically evaluate sources and consult multiple references when studying a complex subject like QFT.

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