679 research outputs found
On Boltzmann vs. Gibbs and the Equilibrium in Statistical Mechanics
In a recent article, Werndl and Frigg discuss the relationship between the
Boltzmannian and Gibbsian framework of statistical mechanics, addressing in
particular the question when equilibrium values calculated in both frameworks
agree. In this paper, I address conceptual confusions that could arise from
their discussion, concerning in particular the authors' use of "Boltzmann
equilibrium". I also clarify the status of the Khinchin condition for the
equivalence of Boltzmannian and Gibbsian, and show that it follows under the
assumptions proposed by Werndl and Frigg from standard arguments in probability
theory
Arrow(s) of Time without a Past Hypothesis
The paper discusses recent proposals by Carroll and Chen, as well as Barbour,
Koslowski, and Mercati to explain the (thermodynamic) arrow of time without a
Past Hypothesis, i.e., the assumption of a special (low-entropy) initial state
of the universe. After discussing the role of the Past Hypothesis and the
controversy about its status, we explain why Carroll's model - which
establishes an arrow of time as typical - can ground sensible predictions and
retrodictions without assuming something akin to a Past Hypothesis. We then
propose a definition of a Boltzmann entropy for a classical -particle system
with gravity, suggesting that a Newtonian gravitating universe might provide a
relevant example of Carroll's entropy model. This invites comparison with the
work of Barbour, Koslowski, and Mercati that identifies typical arrows of time
in a relational formulation of classical gravity on shape space. We clarify the
difference between this gravitational arrow in terms of shape complexity and
the entropic arrow in absolute spacetime and work out the key advantages of the
relationalist theory. We end by pointing out why the entropy concept relies on
absolute scales and is thus not relational.Comment: Contains small corrections with respect to the previous versio
The ontology of Bohmian mechanics
The paper points out that the modern formulation of Bohm's quantum theory
known as Bohmian mechanics is committed only to particles' positions and a law
of motion. We explain how this view can avoid the open questions that the
traditional view faces according to which Bohm's theory is committed to a
wave-function that is a physical entity over and above the particles, although
it is defined on configuration space instead of three-dimensional space. We
then enquire into the status of the law of motion, elaborating on how the main
philosophical options to ground a law of motion, namely Humeanism and
dispositionalism, can be applied to Bohmian mechanics. In conclusion, we sketch
out how these options apply to primitive ontology approaches to quantum
mechanics in general
The physics and metaphysics of primitive stuff
The paper sets out a primitive ontology of the natural world in terms of
primitive stuff, that is, stuff that has as such no physical properties at all,
but that is not a bare substratum either, being individuated by metrical
relations. We focus on quantum physics and employ identity-based Bohmian
mechanics to illustrate this view, but point out that it applies all over
physics. Properties then enter into the picture exclusively through the role
that they play for the dynamics of the primitive stuff. We show that such
properties can be local (classical mechanics), as well as holistic (quantum
mechanics), and discuss two metaphysical options to conceive them, namely
Humeanism and modal realism in the guise of dispositionalism
Against Fields
Using the example of classical electrodynamics, I argue that the concept of fields as mediators of particle interactions is fundamentally flawed and reflects a misguided attempt to retrieve Newtonian concepts in relativistic theories. This leads to various physical and metaphysical problems that are discussed in detail. In particular, I emphasize that physics has not found a
satisfying solution to the self-interaction problem in the context of the classical field theory. To demonstrate the superiority of a pure particle ontology, I defend the direct interaction theory of Wheeler and Feynman against recent criticism and argue that it provides the most cogent formulation of classical electrodynamics
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