Physics and Chance: Philosophical Issues in the Foundations of Statistical Mechanics

Sklar, Lawrence

ISBN 10: 0521558816 / ISBN 13: 9780521558815

Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge / New York, 1995

About this Item

X, 437 Pp. First Printing Of First Softcover Edition,(First Published In Hardcover In 1993), Fine, No Marks Or Wear.

Seller Inventory # 059937

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Physics and Chance: Philosophical Issues in the Foundations of Statistical Mechanics
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge / New York
• Publication Date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521558816
• ISBN 13: 9780521558815
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket
• Seller catalogs:
  • Philosophy and Thoughtfulness
  • Physics

About this title

Synopsis

Lawrence Sklar offers a comprehensive, non-technical introduction to statistical mechanics and attempts to understand its foundational elements.

Review

..."Sklar's work should indeed be required and welcome reading for anyone interested in this fascinating subject....In my opinion, Physics and Chance is essential reading for philosophers of science and physicists who have even the slightest interest in how probabilities function in physical theory. The problems are at least as difficult as any that confront the foundations of quantum mechanics. Sklar's discussions of the various issues set the standard for future philosophical work in the foundations of statistical physics." The Philosophical Review

"The book occupies itself with foundations and touches on most of the crucial issues. It is, I believe, the only available modern text that has set itself this task, and as such it is recommended." Peter T. Lansberg, Nature

"What we have in Sklar's work is by far the best systematic, unified treatment of foundational problems in statistical mechanics existing in the philosophical literature and it will certainly set the standard for futher philosophical work in the area." Mind

..."İit¨ succeeds admirably in pulling together and making accessible a diversity of sometimes difficult material, serving simulaneously students, researchers, and readers from other areas who would simply like to get a sense of what is happening." Philosophy of Science

"The range and depth of this study are extraordinary, and few experts in the areas of physics, mathematics, and chemistry have as extensive familiarity with either the philosophical or technical developments...One of the most important books in philosophy of science of the last 50 years." Choice

.,."[it] succeeds admirably in pulling together and making accessible a diversity of sometimes difficult material, serving simulaneously students, researchers, and readers from other areas who would simply like to get a sense of what is happening." Philosophy of Science

.,."Sklar's work should indeed be required and welcome reading for anyone interested in this fascinating subject....In my opinion, Physics and Chance is essential reading for philosophers of science and physicists who have even the slightest interest in how probabilities function in physical theory. The problems are at least as difficult as any that confront the foundations of quantum mechanics. Sklar's discussions of the various issues set the standard for future philosophical work in the foundations of statistical physics." The Philosophical Review