Relativistic Particle Motion and Radiation Reaction in Electrodynamics

The problem of radiation reaction and the self force is the oldest unsolved mystery in physics. At times it is considered a minor issue, a malefactor born of classical electrodynamics, while at other times it is public enemy number one, a major inconsistency and unsolved problem. This work derives some of the basic and most important results while reviewing some of the other known approaches to the problem. Some historical notes are given, and yet another approach is discussed that accounts for radiation reaction without the unphysical behavior that plagues so many theories. c