A Middle Way: A Non-Fundamental Approach to Many-Body Physics

Robert W. Batterman's monograph explores a hydrodynamic approach to studying complex many-body systems, challenging foundational pictures of physics and advocating for a mesoscale first, middle-out approach. It discusses Einstein's pioneering work on Brownian motion and the Fluctuation-Dissipation theorem, which justifies the use of equilibrium statistical mechanics to study nonequilibrium behaviors. Batterman challenges claims that natural parameters are always found at the most fundamental level and argues for a first, middle-out approach to understanding the relationships between fundamental theories and their phenomenological counterparts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Robert W. Batterman's monograph delves into a widely employed methodology in physics and the field of materials, which has largely been overlooked in philosophical discourse. This approach centers on mesoscale structures as a tool for exploring intricate many-body systems. It poses a fundamental challenge to established notions of physics, wherein the most significant characteristics are believed to reside at lower, more fundamental scales. This so-called hydrodynamic approach finds its roots in Einstein's pioneering work on Brownian motion, which can be regarded as one of the earliest instances of upscaling or homogenization. Through this work, it becomes possible to theoretically determine values for effective continuum scale parameters. Einstein also introduced the Fluctuation-Dissipation theorem, which serves as a foundational assertion for employing equilibrium statistical mechanics to study the non-equilibrium behaviors of many-body systems.

Batterman's primary focus lies in examining the implications of the Fluctuation-Dissipation theorem for a proper understanding of what can be deemed as natural parameters or natural kinds when studying the behaviors of such systems. He challenges various assertions that such natural or joint carving parameters are invariably situated at the most fundamental level. Overall, Batterman advocates for a mesoscale-first, middle-out approach to addressing numerous inquiries concerning the interconnections between fundamental theories and their phenomenological, continuum scale counterparts.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 234 x 388 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197568613