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An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids

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Laws, causation and dynamics at different levels.

Jeremy Butterfield¹

¹Trinity College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TQ, UK.

Interface Focus

|February 7, 2013

Summary

This study explores laws and causation across different scientific levels, proposing a dynamical systems framework to explain how higher-level phenomena emerge and interact with lower levels. It details how micro and macro dynamics can mesh or diverge.

Keywords:

causation coarse-graining dynamics emergence reduction supervenience

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An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids

An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids

Published on: December 4, 2017

Area of Science:

Philosophy of Science
Theoretical Physics
Complex Systems

Background:

Existing theories often struggle to reconcile causation and laws across different scientific scales.
Understanding emergent phenomena requires a framework that bridges micro and macro levels.
Top-down causation presents a challenge in reductionist scientific approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a philosophical view on laws and causation at multiple scientific levels.
To develop a framework for describing dynamics across different levels, specifically micro and macro.
To analyze how higher-level causation can be sustained independently of lower-level reductions.

Main Methods:

Philosophical analysis of scientific laws and causation.
Application of elementary dynamical systems theory.
Coarse-graining techniques to relate micro and macro levels.

Main Results:

A conceptual framework is established for understanding 'riding free' causation at higher levels.
The dynamics of micro and macro levels are described, highlighting potential meshing or failure to mesh.
The framework is applied to analyze specific types of top-down causation.

Conclusions:

Higher-level laws and causation can be sustained in ways that are not strictly reducible to lower levels.
Dynamical systems theory provides a robust framework for analyzing multi-level interactions.
The proposed model offers insights into emergent phenomena and top-down causation in complex systems.