Why Gibbs Phase Averages Work—The Role of Ergodic Theory
- 1 September 1980
- journal article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Philosophy of Science
- Vol. 47 (3) , 339-349
- https://doi.org/10.1086/288941
Abstract
We propose an “explanation scheme” for why the Gibbs phase average technique in classical equilibrium statistical mechanics works. Our account emphasizes the importance of the Khinchin-Lanford dispersion theorems. We suggest that ergodicity does play a role, but not the one usually assigned to it.Keywords
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