[Phys-L] excitations of the fields

[John Denker <jsd@av8n.com>]

Hi --

I've got an idea that isn't fully formed, but the more 
I think about it the more I like it.  Maybe the folks
on the list can contribute.  I wrote it up at
  http://www.av8n.com/physics/field-excitation.htm

It starts by saying:

> In terms of fundamental physics, the most basic things are 
> the fields and the excitations of the fields. Sometimes the 
> excitations look particle-like, sometimes they look wave-like, 
> rarely both, often neither.
>
> I mention this because lately I’ve been getting questions 
> from several directions about “wave/particle duality”. 
> One could make a pretty strong argument that there’s no 
> such thing. The whole approach is a Bad Idea. It’s not 
> good technically, it’s not good pedagogically, it’s just 
> not worth the trouble. The smart approach is to focus on 
> the fields and the excitations in the fields, and not 
> even worry about what’s a particle and what’s not.

Lots more detail and some specific possibly-constructive 
suggestions can be found at
  http://www.av8n.com/physics/field-excitation.htm