Feynman diagrams as models (Q2400834)

The author presents arguments for and against understanding Feynman diagrams as models, in light of recent characterizations of model-making by philosophers of science. Observing that physicists employ such diagrams both as a ``paper tool'' and a ``complex model'', he advances the view of Feynman diagrams as a device mediating between mathematics and physics. The discussion is informed by the richly-detailed historical studies of the genesis and deployment of Feynman diagrams by \textit{A. Wüthrich} [The genesis of Feynman diagrams. Dordrecht: Springer (2010; Zbl 1226.81008)] and \textit{D. Kaiser} [Drawing theories apart. Chicago: University of Chicago Press (2005; Zbl 1146.81006)], while the focus is on current use, rather than that of Richard Feynman or Freeman Dyson.