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Thermodynamic Irreversibility: Does the Big Bang Explain what it Purports to Explain?

Parker, Daniel (2005) Thermodynamic Irreversibility: Does the Big Bang Explain what it Purports to Explain? In: [2004] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 19th Biennial Meeting - PSA2004: Contributed Papers (Austin, TX; 2004) > PSA 2004 Contributed Papers. (In Press)

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    Abstract

    In this paper I examine Albert’s (2000) claim that the low entropy state of the early universe is sufficient to explain irreversible thermodynamic phenomena. In particular, I argue that conditionalising on the initial state of the universe does not have the explanatory power it is presumed to have. I present several arguments to the effect that Albert’s ‘past hypothesis’ alone cannot justify the belief in past non-equilibrium conditions or ground the veracity of records of the past.

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    Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
    Keywords: Past Hypothesis, Big Bang, Reversibility objection, Statistical Mechanics, Thermodynamics
    Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics
    Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
    Conferences and Volumes: [2004] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 19th Biennial Meeting - PSA2004: Contributed Papers (Austin, TX; 2004) > PSA 2004 Contributed Papers
    Depositing User: Daniel Parker
    Date Deposited: 21 Jan 2005
    Last Modified: 07 Oct 2010 11:13
    Item ID: 2166
    Public Domain: No
    Conference Date: 11/18/04 - 11/20/04
    Conference Location: Austin, TX
    URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/2166

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