Matter and forces in quantum field theory - an attempt at a philosophical elucidation

Physics and philosophy are not two independent disciplines. They share a common origin; both contribute significantly to our worldview, and in my opinion there remain several levels of mutual dependence between them — in particular in the areas where they impinge on each other: natural philosophy, fundamental physics and to some ex- tent epistemology. Not all these relations of mutual dependence can or should be made explicit, but an awareness of their existence is necessary for both disciplines. A philo- sophical interpretation of fundamental physical theories is a necessary part of such an awareness