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Is quantum field theory a subset of quantum mechanics?

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Quantum Mechanics (QM) is being used in two different ways and they're both true statements. The first way, which is saying that QM is an underpinning of Quantum Field Theory (QFT) is using the mathematical framework of QM as the scope of QM: states, operators, Hilbert spaces, etc. This point of view is true. read more

But every "quantized" theory, including quantum field theory, is built upon the basic principles of quantum mechanics - quantum states, amplitudes and probabilities. In other words, think of quantum mechanics not as a physical theory by itself, but as a set of basic mathematical rules every self-respecting physical theory must obey. read more

For example, quantum physics suggests quantum mechanics as used in physics or by physicists, perhaps in contrast to "quantum chemistry," even though arguably quantum chemistry is a subset of quantum physics. read more

Quantum mechanics is used for the new set of principles that underlie all quantum theories whether or not they could be interpreted as "mechanics" or e.g. "field theory". After all, quantum mechanics shows that particle-like "mechanical" properties of elementary particles or light are always complemented by their field-like "wave" properties. read more

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