Reductionism, emergence, and effective field theories

In recent years, a ‘‘change in attitude’’ in particle physics has led to our understanding current quantum field theories as effective field theories (EFTs). The present paper is concerned with the significance of this EFT approach, especially from the viewpoint of the debate on reductionism in science. In particular, it shows how EFTs provide a new and interesting case study in current philosophical discussion on reduction, emergence, and inter-level relationships in general.