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Why Gibbs Phase Averages Work—The Role of Ergodic Theory

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 April 2022

David B. Malament  and
Sandy L. Zabell
David B. Malament
Affiliation:
University of Chicago
Sandy L. Zabell
Affiliation:
University of Chicago
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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.

Type
Research Article
Information
Philosophy of Science , Volume 47 , Issue 3 , September 1980 , pp. 339 - 349
Copyright
Copyright © 1980 by Philosophy of Science Association

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Footnotes

†

An earlier version of the paper was presented at the October 1978 meetings of the Philosophy of Science Association. Lawrence Sklar was the commentator. We are grateful to him and to Howard Stein for their remarks.

Support for this research was provided in part by National Science Foundation Grants Nos. SOC78-25046(D.M.) and MCS76-81435(S.Z.).

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