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, Austin, TX.
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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.
| 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 |
| ID Code: | 2166 |
| Deposited By: | Parker, Daniel |
| Deposited On: | 21 January 2005 |
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