MM



PHYSICS AND CHANCE

Philosophical Foundations of Statistical Physics



Purpose of the course: The aim of the course is to make the students familiar with the philosophical foundations of statistical physics, such as the different notions of probability applied in statistical mechanics, the nature of statistical explanation, the role of ergodicity, the problem of the direction of time, and its relation to the Second Law of Thermodynamics. In the course we will read and discuss Lawrence Sklar's book Physics and Chance, Philosophycal Issues in the Foundations of Statistical Mechanics.

Prerequisites for the course: The course is self-contained; it has no specific prerequisites.

Course schedule:

  1. Introduction Introduction
  2. Historical sketch Q2
  3. Probability Q3
  4. Statistical explanation Q4
  5. Equilibrium theory Q5
  6. Describing non-equilibrium Q6
  7. Rationalizing non-equilibrium theory Q7a   Q7b
  8. Cosmology and irreversibility Q8
  9. The reduction of thermodynamics to statistical mechanics Q9
  10. The direction of time Q10
  11. The current state of the major question Q11

Literature:

  • Lawrence Sklar: Physics and Chance, Philosophycal Issues in the Foundations of Statistical Mechanics (Cambridge University Press, 1993).
  • Jos Uffink: ''Compendium of the Foundations of Classical Statistical Physics,'' in: Jeremy Butterfield and John Earman (eds.): Philosophy of Physics (Elsevier, 2007).
  • Jos Uffink: ''Bluff your way with the Second Law of Thermodynamics,'' Studies in the History and Philosophy of Modern Physics, 32, 305-394.
  • Jeremy Butterfield: Philosophy of Thermal Physics, ps.
  • Roman Frigg: A Field Guide to Recent Work on the Foundations of Statistical Mechanics, here.
  • David Albert: Time and Chance (Harvard University Press, 2000).
Reader: here.