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On Boltzmann versus Gibbs and the Equilibrium in Statistical Mechanics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2022

Dustin Lazarovici
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Abstract

Charlotte Werndl and Roman 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. This note points out conceptual confusions that could arise from their discussion, concerning, in particular, the authors’ use of “Boltzmann equilibrium.” It also clarifies the status of the Khinchin condition for the equivalence of Boltzmannian and Gibbsian equilibrium predictions and shows that it follows, under the assumptions proposed by Werndl and Frigg, from standard arguments in probability theory.

Type
Discussion
Information
Philosophy of Science , Volume 86 , Issue 4 , October 2019 , pp. 785 - 793
Copyright
Copyright © The Philosophy of Science Association

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Footnotes

†

I thank the editor, Andrea Woody, anonymous referees, and Charlotte Werndl for feedback that was very helpful in improving the tone and focus of this discussion note. I am also very grateful to Detlef Dürr for helpful comments and discussions.

References

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