Fields and particles

[robheus]

This is a rather theoretical question, but is it possible in physics to have a description of reality which does not consist of particles but only fields. Or are fields always defined in such a way that particles must exist?

The problem I think is that at the very fundamental level of physics, we have matter/particles defined in terms of spacetime, and spacetime defined in terms of matter/particles. You can not define one without the other.

To measure something in empty space is impossible, and likewise, to define particles without spacetime is also impossible.

[emoallen3433]

Fields are created by charges and particles. For example, the Gluon and the Color Charge create the color field, which is the strong nuclear force.

[MigL]

And QED and QCD says particles are a result of their respective fields.

[Enthalpy]

From a QM point of view, particles are necessary, but not for many properties. Not necessarily for being points, but to count them, and as a nice way to say that whan the extension of a particle changes, some properties keep conserved, for instance the charge. Also, to avoid that a particle repels itself.