Today quantum field theory (QFT)-the mathematical and conceptual framework for contemporary
elementary particle physics-is the best starting point for analysing the fundamental building
blocks of the material world. QFT if taken seriously in its metaphysical implications yields a
picture of the world that is at variance with central classical conceptions. The core of
Kuhlmann's investigation consists in the analysis of various ontological interpretations of QFT
e.g. substance ontologies as well as a process-ontological approach. Eventually Kuhlmann
proposes a dispositional trope ontology according to which particularized properties and not
things are the most basic entities in terms of which all other entities are to be analysed
e.g as bundles of properties. This book was chosen for the 2009 ontos-Award for research on
analytical ontology and metaphysics by the German Society for Analytical Philosophy.
