Idealizations and analogies: Explaining critical phenomena

Finite-size scaling theory: Quantitative and qualitative approaches to critical phenomena

The finite-size scaling (FSS) theory is a relatively new and important attempt to study critical phenomena; this paper aims to contribute to clarifying the philosophical significance of this theory. We maintain that, contrary to initial appearances and to some recent claims in the literature, the FSS theory cannot arbitrate the debate between the reductionists and anti-reductionists about phase transitions. Although the theory allows scientists to provide predictions for finite systems, the analysis we carry on here shows that it involves the intertwinement of both finite and infinite systems. But, we argue, the FSS theory has another virtue, as it provides quantitative predictions and explanations for finite systems close to the critical point; it thus complements in a distinctive manner the standard Renormalization Group qualitative approach relying on infinite systems.