| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9742859 | Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics | 2005 | 27 Pages |
Abstract
Two accounts of quantum symmetry breaking (SSB) in the algebraic approach are compared: the representational and the decompositional account. The latter account is argued to be superior for understanding quantum SSB. Two exactly solvable models are given as applications of our account: the Weiss-Heisenberg model for ferromagnetism and the BCS model for superconductivity. Finally, the decompositional account is shown to be more conducive to the causal explanation of quantum SSB.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Physics and Astronomy
Physics and Astronomy (General)
Authors
Chuang Liu, Gérard G. Emch,