Why Gibbs Phase Averages Work—The Role of Ergodic Theory

David B. Malament · Sandy L. Zabell

72 citations0/0 files storedPhilosophy of Science

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Philosophy and History of Science Mathematical Dynamics and Fractals Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

Abstract

We propose an “explanation scheme” for why the Gibbs phase average technique in classical equilibrium statistical mechanics works. Our account emphasizes the importance of the Khinchin-Lanford dispersion theorems. We suggest that ergodicity does play a role, but not the one usually assigned to it.

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2011Probability out of Determinism 1998Why Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics Works: Universality and the Renormalization Group 2008A Field Guide to Recent Work on the Foundations of Statistical Mechanics Forthcoming in Dean Rickles (ed.): The Ashgate Companion to Contemporary Philosophy of Physics. London: Ashgate.1985Causal Asymmetry 2009An empirical approach to symmetry and probability 2011The Past Histories of Molecules 2013Justifying typicality measures of Boltzmannian statistical mechanics and dynamical systems 2019Statistical Mechanics: A Tale of Two Theories

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