Article
Details
Citation
Robertson K & Prunkl C (2023) Is Thermodynamics Subjective?. Philosophy of Science, 90 (5), pp. 1320-1330. https://doi.org/10.1017/psa.2023.58
Abstract
Thermodynamics is an unusual theory. Prominent figures, including J. C. Maxwell and E. T. Jaynes, have suggested that thermodynamics is anthropocentric, and contemporary approaches label thermodynamics a “subjective theory.” Here, we evaluate the arguments for anthropocentrism but conclude that instead of pointing to an anthropocentric view, they point towards a resource-relative understanding of thermodynamics which can be shorn of the “subjective gloss.”
Keywords
History and Philosophy of Science; Philosophy; History
Journal
Philosophy of Science: Volume 90, Issue 5
Status | Published |
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Funders | |
Publication date | 31/12/2023 |
Publication date online | 29/03/2023 |
Date accepted by journal | 15/03/2023 |
URL | |
Publisher | Cambridge University Press (CUP) |
ISSN | 0031-8248 |
eISSN | 1539-767X |
People (1)
Lecturer in Philosophy, Philosophy