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Chaos and Stochastic Models in Physics: Ontic and Epistemic Aspects

Caprara, Sergio and Vulpiani, Angelo (2016) Chaos and Stochastic Models in Physics: Ontic and Epistemic Aspects. Studies in Applied Philosophy, Epistemology and Rational Ethics, 25. pp. 133-146. ISSN 2192-6255

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Abstract

There is a persistent confusion about determinism and predictability. In spite of the opinions of some eminent philosophers (e.g., Popper), it is possible to understand that the two concepts are completely unrelated. In few words we can say that determinism is ontic and has to do with how Nature behaves, while predictability is epistemic and is related to what the human beings are able to compute. An analysis of the Lyapunov exponents and the Kolmogorov-Sinai entropy shows how deterministic chaos, although with an epistemic character, is non subjective at all. This should clarify the role and content of stochastic models in the description of the physical world.


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Item Type: Published Article or Volume
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Caprara, Sergiosergio.caprara@roma1.infn.it
Vulpiani, Angeloangelo.vulpiani@roma1.infn.it
Keywords: Chaos; determinism, predictability
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
Depositing User: Prof. Sergio Caprara
Date Deposited: 11 May 2016 01:26
Last Modified: 11 May 2016 01:26
Item ID: 12081
Journal or Publication Title: Studies in Applied Philosophy, Epistemology and Rational Ethics
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
DOI or Unique Handle: 10.1007/978-3-319-28163-6_8
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
Date: 28 January 2016
Page Range: pp. 133-146
Volume: 25
ISSN: 2192-6255
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/12081

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