Foundations of Probability Theory and Statistical Mechanics

1967 ◽  
pp. 77-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edwin T. Jaynes
Keyword(s):  
Probability Theory ◽  
Statistical Mechanics ◽  
Foundations Of Probability

Introduction

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jochen Rau
Keyword(s):  
Probability Theory ◽  
Phase Transitions ◽  
Statistical Mechanics ◽  
Conservation Laws ◽  
Law Of Large Numbers ◽  
Macroscopic Scale ◽  
Classical Probability ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Microscopic World ◽  
New Phenomena

Statistical mechanics concerns the transition from the microscopic to the macroscopic realm. On a macroscopic scale new phenomena arise that have no counterpart in the microscopic world. For example, macroscopic systems have a temperature; they might undergo phase transitions; and their dynamics may involve dissipation. How can such phenomena be explained? This chapter discusses the characteristic differences between the microscopic and macroscopic realms and lays out the basic challenge of statistical mechanics. It suggests how, in principle, this challenge can be tackled with the help of conservation laws and statistics. The chapter reviews some basic notions of classical probability theory. In particular, it discusses the law of large numbers and illustrates how, despite the indeterminacy of individual events, statistics can make highly accurate predictions about totals and averages.

The Empirical Foundations of Probability Theory

1973 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 316-318
Author(s):  
David L. Burdick
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Probability Theory ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Physical Theory ◽  
Probability Model ◽  
Foundations Of Probability ◽  
Theoretical Mechanics ◽  
Theory And Experiment

It is desirable that scientifically oriented secondary and college students be exposed to the role played by mathematics in modeling physical theory and experiment. The nature of the probability model and the empirical evidence offered to support its applications can furnish a very effective counterpoint to the standard examples of the empirical evidence from astronomy and physics that justifies theoretical mechanics.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document