A. S. Wightman: Looking Back at Quantum Field Theory

Abstract

In 1980 an international symposium, dedicated to the memory of Gunnar Källén, was organized in Stockholm. The theme of the symposium was

PERSPECTIVES IN MODERN FIELD THEORIES

In the Preface to the Proceedings, the editors Bengt Nagel and Håkan Snellman write:

“In the last decade, field theory has come to play a much more central role in fundamental physics than it did at the untimely death of Gunnar Källén in 1968. Gunnar Källén might not have fully approved of all the new branches and sometimes daring speculations in present day field theory. We think, however, that his penetrating mind and search for clarity would have continued to exert a healthy influence on its development. The Symposium is dedicated to his memory.”

At the above symposium, Lamek Hulthén gave a short opening talk which he ended by stating:

“The symposium on ‘Perspectives in Modern Field Theories’ is now opened. We are very fortunate that an old friend and collaborator of Gunnar Källén, Arthur Wightman, will give the memorial lecture. Dr Wightman!”

Here comes Dr Wightman’s presentation!