What is being calculated with Thermal Field Theory?

Abstract

Thermal field theory is reviewed briefly. It is noted that, until recently, it was not known what type of real-time Green function is being calculated in the Euclidean approach. The formal answer to this question is then given and the unexpectedly complicated answer is discussed. The physical implications of the results are then considered. (Talk given at the Lake Louise Winter Institute on Particle Physics and Cosmology, 20th - 26th February, 1994, Lake Louise, Canada)