Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
Scientific paper
1993-10-15
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
26 pages, in LaTeX with 3 figures appended as postscript file. (Written for Time's Arrows Today Conference, UBC, Vancouver, Ju
Scientific paper
It is widely accepted that temporal asymmetry is largely a cosmological problem; the task of explaining temporal asymmetry reduces in the main to that of explaining an aspect of the condition of the early universe. However, cosmologists who discuss these issues often make mistakes similar to those that plagued nineteenth century discussions of the statistical foundations of thermodynamics. In particular, they are often guilty of applying temporal "double standards" of various kinds---e.g., in failing to recognise that certain statistical arguments apply with equal force in either temporal direction. This paper aims to clarify the issue as to what would count as adequate explanation of cosmological time asymmetry. A particular concern is the question whether it is possible to explain why entropy is low near the Big Bang without showing that it must also be low near a Big Crunch, in the event that the universe recollapses. I criticise some of the objections raised to this possibility, showing that these too often depend on a temporal double standard. I also discuss briefly some issues that arise if we take the view seriously. (Could we observe a time- reversing future, for example?)
No associations
LandOfFree
Cosmology, Time's Arrow, and That Old Double Standard does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Cosmology, Time's Arrow, and That Old Double Standard, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Cosmology, Time's Arrow, and That Old Double Standard will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-648541