The relevance of Statistics and Probability for the study of the thermodynamics properties
Course paper in Philosophy of Science and Ethics
Title: The relevance of Statistics and Probability for the study of the thermodynamics properties (The Maxwell-Boltzmann Theory)
Abstract
There are many philosophical debates as to the appropriateness of the use of statistics and probability as scientific research measures. Many renowned philosophers believe that since scientific investigation aims at the ultimate goal of presenting truth about the observations and processes in our universe. Truth in this case means that the methods and tools of investigation and explanation used in any scientific investigation should prove to conform to scientific methodology. Some have questioned the use of statistics and probability in the field of thermodynamics as in Boltzmann’s theory (Davey 2008, Winsberg 2008). This paper presents an overview of science, scientific methodology, thermodynamics as a scientific discipline, and the place of statistics and probability in scientific investigation. It shows how the use probability and statistics in the explanation of thermodynamic parameters as exemplified in the Maxwell-Boltzmann’s theory is a scientifically reliable approach (Costantini and Garibaldi 1997, Costantini and Garibaldi 1998) in light of the Newtonian paradigm of science. Introduction
What is Science?
Layman’s view
The term science has meant different things to different people. To the layman you find on the street, science may mean abstract (by abstract he implies that the activities carried out by scientists are incomprehensible to him, maybe even unimaginable) activities carried out by some people in secret confinements that tend to yield miraculous results. These results may be seen in technological advancements starting from the wall clock to our present day smart phones, accessories and gadgets that he has found to be of great use. Thus even if he wonders what exactly these “scientists” do to achieve such unusually phenomenal results, he is well
Title: The relevance of Statistics and Probability for the study of the thermodynamics properties (The Maxwell-Boltzmann Theory)
Abstract
There are many philosophical debates as to the appropriateness of the use of statistics and probability as scientific research measures. Many renowned philosophers believe that since scientific investigation aims at the ultimate goal of presenting truth about the observations and processes in our universe. Truth in this case means that the methods and tools of investigation and explanation used in any scientific investigation should prove to conform to scientific methodology. Some have questioned the use of statistics and probability in the field of thermodynamics as in Boltzmann’s theory (Davey 2008, Winsberg 2008). This paper presents an overview of science, scientific methodology, thermodynamics as a scientific discipline, and the place of statistics and probability in scientific investigation. It shows how the use probability and statistics in the explanation of thermodynamic parameters as exemplified in the Maxwell-Boltzmann’s theory is a scientifically reliable approach (Costantini and Garibaldi 1997, Costantini and Garibaldi 1998) in light of the Newtonian paradigm of science. Introduction
What is Science?
Layman’s view
The term science has meant different things to different people. To the layman you find on the street, science may mean abstract (by abstract he implies that the activities carried out by scientists are incomprehensible to him, maybe even unimaginable) activities carried out by some people in secret confinements that tend to yield miraculous results. These results may be seen in technological advancements starting from the wall clock to our present day smart phones, accessories and gadgets that he has found to be of great use. Thus even if he wonders what exactly these “scientists” do to achieve such unusually phenomenal results, he is well
References: Andrew (2003) The Classical Theory of Probability and the Principle of Indifference. Berryman, S. (2010). Democritus. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. E. N. Zalta.