Some thoughts on theoretical physics

Constantino Tsallis

Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, 2004, vol. 344, issue 3, 718-736

Abstract: Some thoughts are presented on the inter-relation between beauty and truth in science in general and theoretical physics in particular. Some conjectural procedures that can be used to create new ideas, concepts and results are illustrated in both Boltzmann–Gibbs and nonextensive statistical mechanics. The sociological components of scientific progress and its unavoidable and benefic controversies are, mainly through existing literary texts, briefly addressed as well.11Short essay based on the plenary talk given at the International Workshop on Trends and Perspectives in Extensive and Non-Extensive Statistical Mechanics, held in November 19–21, 2003, in Angra dos Reis, Brazil.

Keywords: Semiotics; Boltzmann–Gibbs statistical mechanics; Nonextensive statistical mechanics; Entropy; Sociology of science (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2004
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:344:y:2004:i:3:p:718-736

DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2004.06.054

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