Atoms, Mechanics, and Probability: Ludwig Boltzmann's Statistico-Mechanical Writings - An Exegesis

Ludwig Boltzmann's statistical mechanics is a pillar of modern science, but his contribution remains little read and poorly understood. This book aims to make the Boltzmann corpus more accessible to physicists, philosophers, and historians by providing introductory biographical and historical materials, detailed summaries of relevant publications, and a final chapter of critical synthesis. It also emphasizes Boltzmann's theoretical tool-box and his patient construction of lofty formal systems, which accounts for his lengthy style, abundance of new constructions, and relative vagueness of their object.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 640 pages
\n Publication date: 14 October 2021
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press
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Ludwig Boltzmann, an Austrian physicist who lived from 1844 to 1906, is widely regarded as one of the foundational figures of modern science. However, his remarkable contributions have remained relatively overlooked and often misunderstood due to his unique working and writing styles. The primary objective of this book is to enhance the accessibility of the Boltzmann corpus to physicists, philosophers, and historians, thereby revitalizing its significance. To achieve this, the book incorporates a range of materials, including introductory biographical and historical insights, comprehensive summaries of all relevant publications, and a final chapter of critical synthesis.

Special emphasis is placed on Boltzmann's theoretical toolbox and his meticulous construction of complex formal systems, even before their full conceptual implications were fully recognized. This constructive tendency is largely responsible for his lengthy and intricate writing style, the abundance of novel constructions, the relative vagueness of their objects, and the perplexity of commentators. By overcoming the stylistic barrier, this book aims to demonstrate how Boltzmann ingeniously merged atoms, mechanics, and probability to forge new connections between the micro- and macro-worlds.

Boltzmann's work in statistical mechanics played a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and molecular levels. His contributions to the field were groundbreaking, and his ideas continue to influence scientific research today. However, his unconventional approach to scientific inquiry and his reluctance to engage with the broader scientific community have contributed to the marginalization of his work.

This book seeks to rectify this situation by providing a comprehensive and accessible account of Boltzmann's life and work. It begins by exploring his early life and education, highlighting his intellectual curiosity and his passion for mathematics and physics. The book then delves into his theoretical contributions, particularly in the field of statistical mechanics, where he developed the famous Boltzmann equation and introduced the concept of entropy.

Throughout the book, detailed and lucid summaries of Boltzmann's publications are provided, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of his ideas and their historical context. Additionally, a final chapter of critical synthesis offers a comprehensive overview of Boltzmann's legacy, highlighting his contributions to the field and their impact on modern science.

By making the Boltzmann corpus more accessible to a broader audience, this book aims to contribute to a greater appreciation of Ludwig Boltzmann's remarkable contributions to science. It serves as a valuable resource for physicists, philosophers, and historians interested in exploring the complexities of atomic and molecular behavior, as well as the philosophical and theoretical implications of Boltzmann's work.

In conclusion, Ludwig Boltzmann's unique working and writing styles have contributed to the underappreciation of his enormous contributions to modern science. This book aims to rectify this situation by providing a comprehensive and accessible account of his life and work. By highlighting his theoretical toolbox, meticulous construction of complex formal systems, and innovative combination of atoms, mechanics, and probability, this book aims to demonstrate how Boltzmann forged new connections between the micro- and macro-worlds. By making the Boltzmann corpus more accessible to physicists, philosophers, and historians, this book seeks to contribute to a greater understanding and appreciation of his remarkable legacy.

\n Weight: 1148g\n
Dimension: 169 x 242 x 35 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780192844712\n \n