When Fields Are Not Degrees of Freedom

We show that in the Maxwell-Lorentz theory of classical electrodynamics most initial values for fields and particles lead to an ill-defined dynamics, as they exhibit singularities or discontinuities along light-cones. This phenomenon suggests Maxwell equations Lorentz force law ought rather be read a system delay differential equations, is, relate function its derivatives at different times. mathematical reformulation, however, leads physical philosophical consequences ontological status electromagnetic field. In particular, cannot taken independent degrees freedom, which one should not add them ontology.