Did Einstein predict Bose-Einstein condensation?

被引:0
作者
Tomczyk, Hannah [1 ]
机构
[1] Univ Cambridge, Dept Hist & Philosophy Sci, Free Sch Lane, Cambridge CB2 3RH, England
来源
STUDIES IN HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE | 2022年 / 93卷
关键词
Bose-Einstein condensation; Einstein; Prediction; Atom physics; QUANTUM-THEORY; STATISTICS; WAVES; GAS;
D O I
10.1016/j.shpsa.2022.02.014
中图分类号
N09 [自然科学史]; B [哲学、宗教];
学科分类号
01 ; 0101 ; 010108 ; 060207 ; 060305 ; 0712 ;
摘要
The successful prediction of new phenomena by scientific theories has gained much interest in philosophy. I will discuss a case that is often taken to be such a successful prediction within physics: Bose-Einstein condensation. The common story goes: the phenomenon was predicted in 1925 by Einstein, and the prediction was confirmed in 1995 at JILA and MIT. I will discuss the history of Bose-Einstein condensation and argue that the observations made in 1995 were inconceivable in several ways in 1925. Therefore, it stands to reason that this is not a story of a confirmed prediction, at least not in the common sense of "prediction". I will suggest that it would be worthwhile for philosophers to investigate further into differences between types of predictions and the various roles those play in science.
引用
收藏
页码:30 / 38
页数:9
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