Quantum field theory is one of the most exciting areas of contemporary physics, posing problems of great theoretical and philosophical interest. This study is a systematic attempt to explore the nature and implications of the theory.

Rom Harré & Harvey Brown both of the University of Oxford: Introduction; I. QUANTUM FIELD THEORY AS AN OBJECT OF PHILOSOPHICAL STUDY: TWO VIEWS: Michael Redhead, University of Cambridge: A philosopher looks at quantum field theory; James T. Cushing, University of Notre Dame: Foundational problems in and methodological lessons from quantum field theory; II. THE PROBLEMS OF VIRTUAL PARTICLES AND RENORMALIZATION: Robert Weingard, Rutgers University: Virtual particles and the interpretation of quantum field theory; Rom Harré: Parsing the amplitudes; Paul Teller, University of Illinois: Three problems of renormalization; III. COVARIANCE PRINCIPLES IN QUANTUM FIELD THEORY: Gordon N. Fleming, Pennsylvania State University: Hyperplane-dependent quantized fields and Lorentz invariance; Tian-yu Cao, Trinity College, Cambridge: Gauge theory and the geometrization of fundamental physics; IV. MATHEMATICAL FOUNDATIONS OF QUANTUM FIELD THEORY: Ray F. Streater, King's College, London: Why should anyone want to axiomatize quantum field theory?; Simon Saunders, Wolfson College, Oxford: The algebraic notation of quantum field theory.

'the book offers a substantial and stimulating commentary on GFT as an object of philosophical enquiry ,,, the book offers a solid, useful and much needed beginning, and is for the most part clearly written and always clearly presented. I urge anyone with an interest in the subject to acquire it.' C.A. Hooker, University of Newcastle, Philosophy of Science