This book is devoted to a thorough analysis of the role that models play in the practise of physical theory. The authors, a mathematical physicist and a philosopher of science, appeal to the logicians' notion of model theory as well as to the concepts of physicists. INDICE: From the contents: Theories and Models.- Thermostatics.- Kinetic Theory of Gases.- Classical Probability.- Modern Probability: Syntax and Models.- Modern Probability: Competing Semantics.- Setting-up the Ergodic Problem.- Models and Ergodic Hierarchy.- Ergodicity vs. Integrability.- Gibbs Canonical Ensembles.- Phase Transitions: van der Waals to Lenz.- Ising and Related Models.- Scaling and Renormalization.- Quantum Models for Phase Transitions.- Approach to Equilibrium in Quantum Mechanics.- The Philosophical Horizon.- AppendixA: Models in Mathematical Logic.- Appendix B: The Calculus of Differentials.-Appendix C: Recursive Functions.- Appendix D: Topological Essences.- AppendixE: Models vs. Models.- References.- Indexes.
- ISBN: 978-3-642-07462-2
- Editorial: Springer
- Encuadernacion: Rústica
- Fecha Publicación: 31/03/2012
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés