Parker, Daniel (2005) Thermodynamic Irreversibility: Does the Big Bang Explain what it Purports to Explain? In: UNSPECIFIED. (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)
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Parker, Daniel
Keywords:	Past Hypothesis, Big Bang, Reversibility objection, Statistical Mechanics, Thermodynamics
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
Depositing User:	Daniel Parker
Date Deposited:	21 Jan 2005
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2010 15:13
Item ID:	2166
Public Domain:	No
Conference Date:	11/18/04 - 11/20/04
Conference Location:	Austin, TX
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
Date:	2005
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/2166

Available Versions of this Item

• Thermodynamic Irreversibility: Does the Big Bang Explain what it Purports to Explain? (deposited 14 Feb 2005)
  • Thermodynamic Irreversibility: Does the Big Bang Explain what it Purports to Explain? (deposited 21 Jan 2005) [Currently Displayed]

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