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The Fermi-Dirac Statistics: A Simultaneous Discovery

An epistemological perspective of an historical case

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The Foundations of Quantum Mechanics — Historical Analysis and Open Questions

Part of the book series: Fundamental Theories of Physics ((FTPH,volume 71))

Abstract

The very different approaches used by E. Fermi and P. A. M. Dirac to derive the Fermi-Dirac particle statistics are analyzed in detail. We suggest that the stability of theoretical conclusions through conceptual change, as exemplified in this historical case study, plays a role in justifying our belief in theoretical statements.

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© 1995 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

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Guicciardini, N., Introzzi, G. (1995). The Fermi-Dirac Statistics: A Simultaneous Discovery. In: Garola, C., Rossi, A. (eds) The Foundations of Quantum Mechanics — Historical Analysis and Open Questions. Fundamental Theories of Physics, vol 71. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-0029-8_29

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-0029-8_29

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-4017-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-011-0029-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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