Black holes as local horizons

Abstract

This talk gives a brief introduction to black hole horizons and their role in black hole thermodynamics. In particular a distinction is made between quasi-locally defined horizons and event horizons. Currently some new techniques have led to interesting developments and the field seems to be growing in two distinct directions. We will show how thermodynamics can equally well be applied to locally defined horizons and discuss some recent results. The emphasis is on giving simple intuitive pictures and mathematical details are largely omitted.