Effective theories in physics. From planetary orbits to elementary particle masses. (Q1925839)

In this book the author discusses various aspects of effective theories in physics. He starts with a discussion of the ubiquitous harmonic oscillator as a toy model. In a second part is presented an effective interpretation of anomalous behaviour of planet trajectories in classical gravitation. Chapter 3 explores the predilection domain of Effective theory: the determination of elementary particle masses in chiral gauge theories. The book closes on a more informal discussion about the general implications of effective theories in physics, focusing however on high-energy physics.