Frequentist statistical mechanics

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the intersection of frequentist statistical mechanics and the maximum entropy principle as articulated by Edwin Jaynes. It highlights the concept of ensemble probability, where each member is deemed equally probable due to ignorance, and contrasts this with the ergodic hypothesis, which suggests that a system will eventually explore all phase space points over an extremely long time. Jaynes critiques the ergodic hypothesis by emphasizing the impracticality of its recurrence time compared to the brevity of actual measurements. The debate remains unresolved, with ongoing critiques of both frequentist and Bayesian interpretations.

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  • Understanding of the maximum entropy principle in information theory
  • Familiarity with Bayesian statistical theory
  • Knowledge of the ergodic hypothesis in statistical mechanics
  • Basic concepts of phase space in physics
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Physicists, statisticians, and researchers interested in the foundations of statistical mechanics and the philosophical implications of probability interpretations.

DrDu
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When I learned statistical mechanics, it followed the lines of the maximum entropy principle from information theory as laid out by Jaynes which can also be seen as a Bayesian statistical theory.
I wonder whether there exist some orthodox frequentistic interpretation of statistical mechanics. Any references would be great!
 
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Yes. So you got your ensemble. Jaynes says every member of the ensemble is equally probable due to ignorance. Another interpretation is that of those using the "ergodic hypothesis" where one postulates that a specific system will in due time (on the order of poincaré recurrence time, i.e. VERY FRIGGIN LONG) pass every point on phase phase arbitrarily close. Since every member of the ensemble corresponds with one phase space point, in the frequentist definition of probability every member of the ensemble becomes equally probable. Jaynes criticized this by saying that the recurrence time is absurdishly long and that when you make a measurement, it's on the order of seconds, not age-of-the-universe. Of course there are also many critiques on the bayesian interpretation. As far as I know, it hasn't been conclusively settled (?)
 

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