Are elementary particles real (per any variant of scientific realism)?
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All we can say is that we observe different properties. We call a perceived coherent collection of those properties an object or "thing". I think it's hard to imagine that properties exist "naked" without an object of which they're properties.
So i think we just refer to those things that exhibit particle-like properties particles. It's hard to tell whether or not asking if that thing which embodies those properties *actually* exists is a silly question or not. I like Locke's response:"It is; I know not what."