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Implications of quantum theory in the foundations of statistical mechanics

Wallace, David (2001) Implications of quantum theory in the foundations of statistical mechanics. [Preprint]

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Abstract

An investigation is made into how the foundations of statistical mechanics are affected once we treat classical mechanics as an approximation to quantum mechanics in certain domains rather than as a theory in its own right; this is necessary if we are to understand statistical-mechanical systems in our own world. Relevant structural and dynamical differences are identified between classical and quantum mechanics (partly through analysis of technical work on quantum chaos by other authors). These imply that quantum mechanics significantly affects a number of foundational questions, including the nature of statistical probability and the direction of time.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Wallace, David
Keywords: Statistical mechanics Quantum chaos
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
Depositing User: Professor David Wallace
Date Deposited: 28 Sep 2001
Last Modified: 07 Oct 2010 15:10
Item ID: 410
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
Date: August 2001
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/410

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