The Arrow of Time
Cosmos and History 14 (3):321-333 (2018)
Abstract
The foundation of irreversible, probabilistic time -- the classical time of conscious observation -- is the reversible and deterministic time of the quantum wave function. The tendency in physics is to regard time in the abstract, a mere parameter devoid of inherent direction, implying that a concept of real time begins with irreversibility. In reality time has no need for irreversibility, and every invocation of time implies becoming or flow. Neither symmetry under time reversal, of which Newton was well aware, nor the absence of an absolute parameter, as in relativity, negates temporal passage. Far from encapsulating time, irreversibility is a secondary property dependent on the emergence of distinct moments from the ceaseless presence charted by the wave function.
Categories
(categorize this paper)
PhilPapers/Archive ID
DACTAO-2
Upload history
Added to PP index
2018-12-31
Total views
96 ( #40,733 of 58,222 )
Recent downloads (6 months)
14 ( #42,139 of 58,222 )
2018-12-31
Total views
96 ( #40,733 of 58,222 )
Recent downloads (6 months)
14 ( #42,139 of 58,222 )
How can I increase my downloads?
Downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.