The entanglement structure of quantum field systems

This essay considers the question of the ontology of relativistic quantum field theory (RQFT). It aims to discuss possible implications of the peculiarities of quantum entanglement and quantum non-locality within the algebraic approach to RQFT. Fundamental results such as the Reeh-Schlieder theorem do not only show that quantum entanglement is a truly central feature of RQFT, but also that quantum entanglement displays specific features that are absent at the level of quantum mechanics (QM). Although these technical results are well-known, their possible implications for the ontology of the theory have been surprisingly little discussed. In particular, I will consider how the board ontic structural realist understanding of quantum entanglement and quantum non-locality within QM naturally applies to RQFT and can contribute to the debate on the ontology of the theory. More generally, this essay aims to illustrate the relevance of the peculiar status of quantum entanglement and quantum non-locality within RQFT for the ontological debate.