Specifically designed to introduce graduate students to the functional integration method in contemporary physics as painlessly as possible, the book concentrates on the conceptual problems inherent in the path integral formalism. Throughout, the striking interplay between stochastic processes, statistical physics and quantum mechanics comes to the fore, and all the methods of fundamental interest are generously illustrated by important physical examples.

"Quantum Gravitation" approaches the subject from the point of view of Feynman path integrals, which provide a manifestly covariant approach in which fundamental quantum aspects of the theory such as radiative corrections and the renormalization group can be systematically and consistently addressed. It is shown that the path integral method is suitable for both perturbative as well as non-perturbative studies, and is already known to offer a framework for the theoretical investigation of non-Abelian gauge theories, the basis for three of the four known fundamental forces in nature. The book thus provides a coherent outline of the present status of the theory gravity based on Feynman’s formulation, with an emphasis on quantitative results. Topics are organized in such a way that the correspondence to similar methods and results in modern gauge theories becomes apparent. Covariant perturbation theory are developed using the full machinery of Feynman rules, gauge fixing, background methods and ghosts. The renormalization group for gravity and the existence of non-trivial ultraviolet fixed points are investigated, stressing a close correspondence with well understood statistical field theory models. The final chapter addresses contemporary issues in quantum cosmology such as scale dependent gravitational constants and quantum effects in the early universe.

Graduate-level, systematic presentation of path integral approach to calculating transition elements, partition functions, and source functionals. Covers Grassmann variables, field and gauge field theory, perturbation theory, and nonperturbative results. 1992 edition.

Topological restrictions. These are relevant to the understanding of the statistical properties of elementary particles and the entanglement phenomena in polymer physics and biophysics. The Chern-Simons theory of particles with fractional statistics (anyons) is introduced and applied to explain the fractional quantum Hall effect." "The relevance of path integrals to financial markets is discussed, and improvements of the famous Black-Scholes formula for option prices are developed which account for the fact that large market fluctuations occur much more frequently than in Gaussian distributions." --Book Jacket.

This book provides an ideal introduction to the use of Feynman path integrals in the fields of quantum mechanics and statistical physics. It is written for graduate students and researchers in physics, mathematical physics, applied mathematics as well as chemistry. The material is presented in an accessible manner for readers with little knowledge of quantum mechanics and no prior exposure to path integrals. It begins with elementary concepts and a review of quantum mechanics that gradually builds the framework for the Feynman path integrals and how they are applied to problems in quantum mechanics and statistical physics. Problem sets throughout the book allow readers to test their understanding and reinforce the explanations of the theory in real situations. Features: Comprehensive and rigorous yet, presents an easy-to-understand approach. Applicable to a wide range of disciplines. Accessible to those with little, or basic, mathematical understanding.

This engaging collection of readings presents a multifaceted view of contemporary gender relations. Using other inequalities such as race, class, and sexual orientation as a prism of difference, the readings present gender as it is situated in sexual, racial-ethnic, social class, physical abilities, age, and national citizenship contexts. In addition to articles about men, women, and sexual, and immigrant diversity, this reader also includes works on gender and globalization. The editors introduce this wide-ranging collection with a provocative analytical introduction that sets the stage for understanding gender as a socially constructed experience. Takes a sociological perspective on contemporary gender relations. Emphasizes the theme of difference or how other inequalities such as race, class, or age affect our gendered experiences. Presents a discussion of women's and men's issues. Includes articles on international and transnational factors in addition to the articles on U.S. gender relations. For anyone interested in Sociology of Gender, Women's Studies, Gender Roles, Sociology of Women, Women in Society, Race, Class, and Gender, Diversity, Feminist Theory, and Social Inequality.