The Aharonov approach to equilibrium
Dizadji-Bahmani, Foad
(2011)
The Aharonov approach to equilibrium
Philosophy of Science, 78 (5).
pp. 976-988.
ISSN 0031-8248
Using the 'Aharonov approach', Linden and colleagues purportedly prove that reaching equilibrium is a universal property of quantum systems. Such a proof would constitute a very significant result in the foundations of statistical mechanics. I argue that, as it stands, this proof is not sound. However, based on the their theorems, I construct an argument for the conclusion that an arbitrary small subsystem of a large quantum system typically tends toward and remains in, or close to, equilibrium. This is the central result of the article. In the final part of the article, I defend the Aharonov approach against anti-interventionist criticisms
| Item Type | Article |
|---|---|
| Copyright holders | © 2011 by the Philosophy of Science Association |
| Departments | Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method |
| DOI | 10.1086/662282 |
| Date Deposited | 16 Feb 2012 12:02 |
| URI | https://researchonline.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/41891 |
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