Myrvold W. Beyond Chance and Credence. A Theory...2021 torrent

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Concepts related to probability permeate physics. This is most obvious in statistical mechanics, in which probabilities appear explicitly, but even in cases when predictions are made with near-certainty, there are implicit probabilistic assumptions in play. How are we to understand these
probabilistic concepts? How do they apply to the physical world? Beyond Chance and Credence offers a fresh look at these familiar topics, urging readers to see them in a new light. The book provides an overview of the history of philosophical debates about the nature of probability over the last
three centuries, and clear and accessible introductions to conceptual issues in probability theory, thermodynamics, and statistical mechanics. Myrvold argues that the traditional choice between probabilities as objective chances or else as degrees of belief is too limiting, and introduces a new
concept, epistemic chances, that combines physical and epistemic considerations. He goes on to show that conceiving of probabilities in this way solves some of the puzzles associated with the use of probability and statistical mechanics. The result is an innovative perspective on one of the most
central topics in the philosophy of science.
Title Pages
List of Figures and Table
Acknowledgments
Preface
The Puzzle of Predictability
Two Senses of Probability
Two Nonsenses of Probability
What Could a Natural Measure Be
Epistemic Chances or Almost Objective Probabilities
Thermodynamics The Science of Heat and Work
Statistical Mechanics The Basics
Probabilities in Statistical Mechanics
Probabilities in Quantum Mechanics
Epilogue
Appendix Probability Basics
References
Index
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