Weinberg on QFT

demonstrative induction and underdetermination

Jonathan Bain

pp. 1-30

in: Synthese 117 (1), 1998.

Abstract

In this essay I examine a recent argument by Steven Weinberg that seeks to establish local quantum field theory as the only type of quantum theory in accord with the relevent evidence and satisfying two basic physical principles. I reconstruct the argument as a demonstrative induction and indicate it's role as a foil to the underdetermination argument in the debate over scientific realism.