Logic & Philosophy of Science Colloquium


Craig Callender
UC San Diego

"Taking Thermodynamics (Too) Seriously"

I discuss the mistake of understanding the laws and concepts of thermodynamics too literally in the foundations of statistical mechanics. Arguing that this error has been more costly and pervasive than usually thought, I explore the mistake in three cases: our understanding of the Second Law, equilibrium and phase transitions. In each case I offer remedies innocent of the error.

Friday, June 8, 2001
SST 777, 3 pm

Refreshments will be served

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