The Aharonov approach to equilibrium
Dizadji-Bahmani, F.
(2011).
The Aharonov approach to equilibrium.
Philosophy of Science,
78(5), 976-988.
https://doi.org/10.1086/662282
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 | LSE > Academic Departments > Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method |
| DOI | 10.1086/662282 |
| Date Deposited | 16 Feb 2012 |
| URI | https://researchonline.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/41891 |
Explore Further
- https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/84855540409 (Scopus publication)
- http://journal.philsci.org/ (Official URL)