Physics and Chance: Philosophical Issues in the Foundations of Statistical Mechanics by Lawrence Sklar (PDF)

Description

Statistical mechanics is one of the crucial fundamental theories of physics, and in his new book Lawrence Sklar, one of the pre-eminent philosophers of physics, offers a comprehensive, non-technical introduction to that theory and to attempts to understand its foundational elements. Among the topics treated in detail are: probability and statistical explanation, the basic issues in both equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, the role of cosmology, the reduction of thermodynamics to statistical mechanics, and the alleged foundation of the very notion of time asymmetry in the entropic asymmetry of systems in time. The book emphasises the interaction of scientific and philosophical modes of reasoning, and in this way will interest all philosophers of science as well as those in physics and chemistry concerned with philosophical questions. The book could also be read by an informed general reader interested in the foundations of modern science.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐The seller, Jerry’s Books (so presumably Jerry), included a charming note with the book, in which he described his avocational pleasure in physics and his affection for this book. He said he hoped I would enjoy it and understand it better than he could. Jerry, I’m a student of physics, and I did enjoy your book – but don’t worry, I didn’t really understand it either!

⭐(NB. This book really deserves 4.5 stars.)Much of my work concerns applying statistical physics in novel contexts. With that in mind, a few years ago I undertook to take a look at foundational issues. Although this book contains few equations, it is sophisticated and clear, and also a page-turner. My copy is jammed with Post-Its serving as placemarkers.That said, a few more equations and better references/attribution would have been nice. For instance, Sklar mentions a “pantamicrocanonical” ensemble at one point, but he neither elaborates nor gives a usable reference. I have been unable to track down the origin or precise meaning of this term, to my annoyance.There are biases in coverage as well: most philosophers of statistical physics are (perhaps rightly) preoccupied with the arrow of time. Personally, however, I found the distinction between ergodicity and mixing far more relevant, insightful, and useful. The coverage of information theory and MAXENT is weak. Many people familiar with MAXENT often come to notice some of its limitations, and a more thorough philosophical treatment (incorporating views from e.g., Jaynes to Grad) of the subject would have been welcome.But all in all, this is an excellent book, and a worthy read. I recommend it especially highly to the student of statistical physics: buy Sklar, and check out Krylov from the library.

⭐

Keywords

Free Download Physics and Chance: Philosophical Issues in the Foundations of Statistical Mechanics in PDF format
Physics and Chance: Philosophical Issues in the Foundations of Statistical Mechanics PDF Free Download
Download Physics and Chance: Philosophical Issues in the Foundations of Statistical Mechanics 1995 PDF Free
Physics and Chance: Philosophical Issues in the Foundations of Statistical Mechanics 1995 PDF Free Download
Download Physics and Chance: Philosophical Issues in the Foundations of Statistical Mechanics PDF
Free Download Ebook Physics and Chance: Philosophical Issues in the Foundations of Statistical Mechanics