Liu, Chuang and Emch, Gerard G. (2004) Explaining Quantum Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Two alternative accounts of quantum spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) are compared and one of them, the decompositional account in the algebraic approach, is argued to be superior for understanding quantum SSB. Two exactly solvable models are given as applications of our account -- the Weiss-Heisenberg model for ferromagnetism and the BCS model for superconductivity. Finally, the decompositional account is shown to be more conducive to the causal explanation of quantum SSB.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Liu, Chuang Emch, Gerard G.
Keywords:	symmetry, spontaneous symmetry breaking, macroscopic limit, quantum statistical mechanics, quantum field theory, explanation
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics General Issues > Explanation Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Depositing User:	Chuang Liu
Date Deposited:	31 May 2004
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2010 15:12
Item ID:	1778
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics General Issues > Explanation Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Date:	April 2004
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/1778

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