Wiktionary
n. The branch of mathematics dealing with the algebraic structure of fields.
WordNet
n. (physics) a theory that explains a physical phenomenon in terms of a field and the manner in which it interacts with matter or with other fields
Wikipedia
Field theory may refer to:
- Field (mathematics), the theory of the algebraic concept of field
- Field theory (physics), a physical theory which employs fields in the physical sense, consisting of two types:
- Classical field theory, the theory and dynamics of classical fields
- Quantum field theory, the theory of quantum mechanical fields
- Field theory (psychology), a psychological theory which examines patterns of interaction between the individual and his or her environment
- Field theory (sociology), a sociological theory concerning the relationship between social actors and local social orders
Field theory is a psychological theory which examines patterns of interaction between the individual and the total field, or environment. The concept first made its appearance in psychology with roots to the holistic perspective of Gestalt theories. It was developed by Kurt Lewin, a Gestalt psychologist, in the 1940s.
Lewin’s field theory can be expressed by a formula: B = f(p,e), meaning that behavior (B) is a function of the person (p) and his/her environment (e).
Field theory in sociology examines how individuals construct social fields, and how they are affected by such fields. Social fields are environments in which competition between individuals and between groups takes place, such as markets, academic disciplines, musical genres, etc.
Unstable fields are defined by rapid change and frequently by destructive forms of competition, such as pure competition over prices that drives profit margins to untenably low levels. Fields thus need to be stabilized with rules which make sure that competition takes non-destructive forms. Stable fields rarely emerge on their own, but must be constructed by skilled entrepreneurs. The government frequently plays a role in this process as well.
Fields feature different positions which Social actors can occupy. The dominant players in the field are called the incumbents. They are generally invested in maintaining the field in its current form, as changes to the rules of competition risk destabilizing their dominant position. Fields may also feature insurgents who instead aim to alter the field so they can successfully compete with the incumbents. Dramatic change in previously stable fields can come from either successful incumbents or intrusion from other fields, or from government-imposed rule change.
In general, different field positions create different incentives. Field position is experienced by individuals in the form of motivation.
Usage examples of "field theory".
It was his notion that once we tied Planck's constant to the speed of light, we would not only have the practical effect of miniaturizing and deminiaturizing in an essentially energy-free manner, but that we would have the theoretical effect of being able to work out the connection between quantum theory and relativity and finally have a good unified field theory.
There are questions that will not be answered in the framework of conventional quantum field theory.
Such a notion was incompatible with a field theory of light, in which disturbances propagate at a characteristic rate that has nothing to do with the movement of their sources, and was reminiscent of the corpuscular theory that interference experiments were thought to have laid to rest.
O'Neil has a new outlook on field theory -- stuff he's never published.
I knew I was dealing with field theory and quanta when I dealt with Valis.
Einstein said that the reason he could spend the last quarter-century of his life in a search (unsuccessful) for a unified field theory was that he could afford to.