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Combining Statistical-Thermodynamics and Relativity Theory: Methodological and Foundations Problems

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2023

John Earman
John Earman*
Affiliation:
University of Minnesota
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Classical statistical mechanics has commanded a modest but steady amount of attention from philosophers of science. By contrast, there has been an almost total neglect of relativistic statistical mechanics, or more precisely, a neglect of the prospects and problems of producing a relativistic version of classical statistical mechanics. The neglect is undeserved, for this area offers a fascinating array of case studies for those concerned with the history and sociology of science, with the structure and dynamics of scientific theories, or with foundations problems in physics. This paper is dedicated to the goal of ending the neglect. Towards this end, I will survey some of the issues which arise in attempting to marry statistical-thermodynamics with relativity theory. The choice of the issues to be discussed and their treatment naturally reflect my own preferences and prejudices, and I cannot hope for the reader’s agreement on all points.

Type
Part V. Statistical Mechanics
Information
PSA: Proceedings of the Biennial Meeting of the Philosophy of Science Association , Volume 1978 , Issue 2: Volume Two: Symposia and Invited Papers 1978 , 1978 , pp. 156 - 185
Copyright
Copyright © 1981 Philosophy of Science Association

Footnotes

1

There are many people whom I would like to thank for help and encouragement on this project; but so far, they have not given any.

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