Constructive field theory aims to rigorously construct concrete, non-trivial solutions to Lagrangians used in particle physics, where the solutions satisfy some relevant set of axioms. I examine the relationship of solutions in constructive field theory to both axiomatic and Lagrangian quantum field theory (QFT). I argue that Lagrangian QFT provides conditions for what counts as a successful constructive solution, and that it provides other information that guides constructive field theorists to solutions. Solutions matter because they describe the behavior of QFT systems, and thus what QFT says the world is like. Constructive field theory, in incorporating ingredients from both axiomatic and Lagrangian QFT, clarifies existing disputes about which parts of QFT are philosophically relevant and how rigor relates to these disputes. * I thank Bob Batterman and Michael Miller for comments and encouragement. Several anonymous referees also contribued valuable comments.
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