Complex Systems and Renormalization Group Explanations. Issue 5 (December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morrison, Margaret
• Is Part Of: Philosophy of science. Volume 81:Issue 5(2014)
• Page Start: 1144
• Page End: 1156
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Subjects: Science -- Periodicals; Science -- Philosophy; Science; Science -- Philosophy; Philosophie des sciences; Epistemology; Periodicals; 501
• DOI: 10.1086/677904
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1539-767X

Abstract

Abstract : Despite the close connection between the central limit theorem and renormalization group (RG) methods, the latter should be considered fundamentally distinct from the kind of probabilistic framework associated with statistical mechanics, especially the notion of averaging. The mathematics of RG is grounded in dynamical systems theory rather than probability, which raises important issues with respect to the way RG generates explanations of physical phenomena. I explore these differences and show why RG methods should be considered not just calculational tools but the basis for a physical understanding of complex systems in terms of structural properties and relations.