On the Feynman principle

Abstract

The formulation of quantum field theory in terms of the Feynman principle is discussed. It is shown that the operators defined in terms of this principle satisfy the equations of motion. A definition of canonically conjugate momenta is given in terms of the principle and is shown to be equivalent to the usual definition. The canonical commutation relations are then deduced and the equivalence of this formulation and the canonical formalism is thereby established. The equations for Feynman amplitudes are also obtained. In conclusion some difficulties of the theory and some possible extensions are discussed.