I ain't afraid of no ghost.

Area of Science:

• Theoretical Physics
• Mathematical Physics

Background:

• Traditional philosophical accounts of gauge theory quantization face challenges due to the presence of 'ghosts'.
• These ghosts are mathematical constructs with unphysical properties, often dismissed as notational conveniences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To criticize the received view on gauge theory quantization and its interpretation of ghosts.
• To propose an alternative method for quantizing gauge theories.
• To re-evaluate the physical significance of ghosts in quantum field theory.

Main Methods:

• Critique of existing philosophical accounts of gauge theory quantization.
• Development of an alternative quantization method applicable to all theories.
• Reinterpretation of ghosts as coordinates on the classical configuration space of gauge theories.

Main Results:

• The traditional sequence of ad hoc modifications for gauge theory quantization is deemed unjustified and inadequate.
• Ghosts are reinterpreted as physically significant coordinates on the gauge structure of the classical configuration space.
• Weingard's philosophical arguments are shown to support, rather than refute, the physical significance of ghosts.

Conclusions:

• Gauge theories can be quantized using the same methods as other theories.
• Ghosts possess genuine physical significance as coordinates within the gauge structure.
• This new interpretation resolves philosophical objections regarding the role and meaning of ghosts.