Al-Khalili, Jim and Chen, Eddy Keming (2024) The Decoherent Arrow of Time and the Entanglement Past Hypothesis. Foundations of Physics, 54 (49). ISSN 0015-9018

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Abstract

If an asymmetry in time does not arise from the fundamental dynamical laws of physics, it may be found in special boundary conditions. The argument normally goes that since thermodynamic entropy in the past is lower than in the future according to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, then tracing this back to the time around the Big Bang means the universe must have started off in a state of very low thermodynamic entropy: the Thermodynamic Past Hypothesis. In this paper, we consider another boundary condition that plays a similar role, but for the decoherent arrow of time, i.e. the subsystems of the universe are more mixed in the future than in the past. According to what we call the Entanglement Past Hypothesis, the initial quantum state of the universe had very low entanglement entropy. We clarify the content of the Entanglement Past Hypothesis, compare it with the Thermodynamic Past Hypothesis, and identify some challenges and open questions for future research.

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Item Type:	Published Article or Volume
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Al-Khalili, Jim j.al-khalili@surrey.ac.uk Chen, Eddy Keming eddykemingchen@ucsd.edu 0000-0001-5144-0952
Keywords:	decoherence, entanglement entropy, factorization, subsystem, spacetime emergence, irreversibility, decoherent histories, initial condition of the universe
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology General Issues > Explanation General Issues > Laws of Nature Specific Sciences > Probability/Statistics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Depositing User:	Dr. Eddy Keming Chen
Date Deposited:	22 Jul 2024 11:45
Last Modified:	22 Jul 2024 11:45
Item ID:	23719
Journal or Publication Title:	Foundations of Physics
Official URL:	https://doi.org/10.1007/s10701-024-00785-3
DOI or Unique Handle:	10.1007/s10701-024-00785-3
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology General Issues > Explanation General Issues > Laws of Nature Specific Sciences > Probability/Statistics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Date:	28 June 2024
Volume:	54
Number:	49
ISSN:	0015-9018
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/23719

Available Versions of this Item

• The Decoherent Arrow of Time and the Entanglement Past Hypothesis. (deposited 18 May 2024 07:47)
  • The Decoherent Arrow of Time and the Entanglement Past Hypothesis. (deposited 22 Jul 2024 11:45) [Currently Displayed]

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