Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

158 | David Wallace on the Arrow of Time

Aug 2, 2021

David Wallace, a leading philosopher of science from the University of Pittsburgh, dives into the arrow of time and its philosophical implications. He explores how increasing entropy connects our perception of memory and aging to fundamental physics. The discussion connects the early universe's conditions to the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics. Wallace also critiques traditional views on time while examining the complexities of macrostates and entropy dynamics, ultimately intertwining science with profound philosophical questions.

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INSIGHT

Arrow of Time

The arrow of time refers to processes that distinguish between forward and backward directions.
Small systems often exhibit time symmetry, while larger, more complex systems show clear asymmetry.

INSIGHT

Unified Arrow of Time

Different "arrows of time" (thermodynamic, cosmological, memory) might share a single origin.
Imagining universes where one arrow reverses while others remain unchanged quickly leads to inconsistencies.

INSIGHT

Boltzmann's Paradox

Boltzmann attempted to explain gas behavior mechanically, leading to a paradox.
Time-reversible equations and assumptions cannot produce time-irreversible results like gas expansion.

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From eternity to here

The Quest for the Ultimate Theory of Time

Sean Carroll

In this book, Sean Carroll delves into the mysteries of time, particularly the arrow of time, which explains why time flows from the past to the future. He relies heavily on the second law of thermodynamics and the concept of entropy to explain this phenomenon. The book is divided into four parts, covering topics such as time in Einstein’s universe, entropy and time’s arrow, and speculative ideas about the multiverse and the origin of the universe. Carroll also discusses the Big Bang, black holes, and other aspects of modern physics, making the complex subject accessible to determined readers[2][3][5].

The Emergent Multiverse

Quantum Theory according to the Everett Interpretation

David Wallace

The Emergent Multiverse presents a detailed and modern account of the Everett interpretation of quantum mechanics. David Wallace argues that by taking quantum theory literally, the apparent paradoxes and weirdness of quantum mechanics are mitigated, and the theory can be seen as describing a world that constantly branches into multiple universes. The book addresses key challenges such as the ontological and probability problems associated with the Everett interpretation and provides a clear and accessible survey of the work in both physics and philosophy of science[2][3][4].

The Emergent Multiverse

Quantum Theory according to the Everett Interpretation

David Wallace

Philosophy of Physics: A Very Short Introduction

David Wallace

This book explores the core topics in philosophy of physics through three key themes: the nature of space, time, and motion; the emergence of irreversible behavior in statistical mechanics; and the mysteries of quantum theory. It delves into how these theories challenge our understanding of reality and influence both physics and philosophy. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the conceptual implications of modern physics and their relevance to ongoing scientific and philosophical debates.