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Laws and Statistical Mechanics

Winsberg, Eric (2002) Laws and Statistical Mechanics. In: [2002] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 18th Biennial Mtg - PSA 2002: Contributed Papers (Milwaukee, WI; 2002) > PSA 2002 Symposia. (Unpublished)

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    Abstract

    This paper explores some connections between competing conceptions of scientific laws on the one hand, and a problem in the foundations of statistical mechanics on the other. I examine two proposals for understanding the time asymmetry of thermodynamic phenomenal: David Albert’s recent proposal and a proposal that I outline based on Hans Reichenbach’s “branch systems”. I sketch an argument against the former, and mount a defense of the latter by showing how to accommodate statistical mechanics to recent developments in the philosophy of scientific laws.

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    Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
    Subjects: General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science
    Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
    Conferences and Volumes: [2002] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 18th Biennial Mtg - PSA 2002: Contributed Papers (Milwaukee, WI; 2002) > PSA 2002 Symposia
    Depositing User: Eric Winsberg
    Date Deposited: 01 Jul 2003
    Last Modified: 07 Oct 2010 11:11
    Item ID: 1244
    Public Domain: No
    Conference Date: November 2002
    Conference Location: Milwaukee
    URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/1244

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