Fraser, JD (2016) Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking in Finite Systems. Philosophy of Science, 83 (4). pp. 585-605. ISSN 0031-8248
Abstract
The orthodox characterisation of spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) in statistical mechanics appeals to novel properties of systems with infinite degrees of freedom, namely the existence of multiple equilibrium states. This raises the same puzzles about the status of the thermodynamic limit fueling recent debates about phase transitions. I argue here that there are prospects of explaining the success of the standard approach to SSB in terms of the properties of large finite systems and consequently, despite initial appearances, the need to account for SSB phenomena does not offer decisive support to claims about the explanatory and representational indispensability of the thermodynamic limit.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2016 by the Philosophy of Science Association. All rights reserved. Reproduced in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures (Leeds) > School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science (Leeds) > School of Philosophy (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 20 Nov 2015 10:15 |
Last Modified: | 11 Apr 2017 02:06 |
Published Version: | http://doi.org/10.1086/687263 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | University of Chicago Press |
Identification Number: | 10.1086/687263 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:92103 |