Luca Gasparinetti

This paper provides a philosophical analysis of the contemporary debate surrounding the nature of particles, as described by one of the most recent quantum theories, Quantum Field Theory. Specifically, the paper will present the formal and philosophical details underlying the discussion on the ontological and epistemological status of particles. The aim is, therefore, to offer not only a general overview for non-expert readers but also a more rigorous examination for those who wish to further explore the technical details of the mathematical formalism upon which Quantum Field Theory is based.

Why do boiled eggs never go back to being raw? According to common sense, this is due to the unidirectional flow of time, solely progressing from past to future. However, it is not clear what gives time this direction: is it an intrinsic feature of time, or does it rely on other related asymmetries, such as the increase in entropy? Is it something that really exists or simply an illusion produced by our perceptual apparatus? The debate arising from these questions continues to be one of the liveliest in physics and philosophy. The aim of this contribution is to offer the minimal tools to understand it.