Natural Order and Science

[Alex K]

For the record: virtual particles are particles you can't see. Not that they are not real or some kind of illusion. They are real in the sense that these virtual particles are the particles involved in the interaction of other particles. When they escaped, they become detectable and so we can see them.  Debating about whether they are real or not is like debating if a force is real or not.

But - What does "seeing a particle" mean other than that it was involved in the interaction with other particles (e.g. in you eye). That's what I am trying to get across here - the distinction between virtual and real particles seems not so well defined as to justify such a kneejerk distinction of their ontological status.

What is a particle but a name for acollection of phenomena with typical properties. What is a virtual particle but a name for a collection of phenomena with typical slightly but not too different properties.