Statistical and causal concepts in Einstein's early thought

Annals of Science 37 (2):215-228 (1980)
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Abstract

Albert Einstein's attitude towards quantum mechanics—and statistical physics in general—was a puzzle to many of his contemporaries, and has remained a puzzle to the present. Though he made many significant contributions to statistical physics, he continually refused to regard that branch of science as fundamental. The present essay demonstrates that his attitude towards statistical physics was formed during his earliest investigations—between 1901 and 1903. In particular, it is shown that in Einstein's view, statistical laws are based upon non-statistical assumptions. This view influenced much of his later thinking. A few illustrations are offered, concluding with a discussion of his opposition to quantum mechanics

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Patrick H. Byrne
Boston College

Citations of this work

Relativity and indeterminism.Patrick H. Byrne - 1981 - Foundations of Physics 11 (11-12):913-932.

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References found in this work

The Principle of Relativity.Albert Einstein - 1920 - [Calcutta]: Dover Publications. Edited by H. Minkowski, Meghnad Saha & Satyendranath Bose.
Some reflections on quantum logic and schrödinger's cat.Jeffrey Bub - 1979 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 30 (1):27-39.

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