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, Milwaukee.
Full text available as: |
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.
| 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 |
| ID Code: | 1244 |
| Deposited By: | Winsberg, Eric |
| Deposited On: | 01 July 2003 |