Chen, Eddy Keming (2017) Time's Arrow in a Quantum Universe I: On the Simplicity and Uniqueness of the Initial Quantum State. [Preprint]

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Abstract

In a quantum universe with a strong arrow of time, we postulate a low-entropy boundary condition (the Past Hypothesis) to account for the temporal asymmetry. In this paper, I show that the Past Hypothesis also contains enough information to significantly simplify the quantum ontology and clearly define a unique initial condition in such a world. First, I introduce Density Matrix Realism, the thesis that the quantum universe is described by a fundamental density matrix (a mixed state) that corresponds to some physical degrees of freedom in the world. This stands in sharp contrast to Wave Function Realism, the thesis that the quantum universe is described by a wave function (a pure state) that represents something physical. Second, I suggest that the Past Hypothesis is sufficient to determine a unique and simple density matrix. This is achieved by what I call the Initial Projection Hypothesis: the initial density matrix of the universe is the projection onto the special low-dimensional Hilbert space. Third, because the initial quantum state is unique and simple, we have a strong case for the Nomological Thesis: the initial quantum state of the universe is completely specified by a law of nature. This new package of ideas has several interesting implications, including on the dynamic unity of the universe and the subsystems, the theoretical unity of statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics, and the alleged conflict between Humean supervenience and quantum entanglement.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Chen, Eddy Keming eddy.chen@rutgers.edu
Keywords:	time’s arrow, Past Hypothesis, Statistical Postulate, reduction, typicality, foundations of probability, quantum statistical mechanics, wave function realism, quantum ontology, density matrix, Weyl Curvature Hypothesis, Humean Supervenience
Subjects:	General Issues > Determinism/Indeterminism General Issues > Laws of Nature Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
Depositing User:	Dr. Eddy Keming Chen
Date Deposited:	14 Dec 2017 03:35
Last Modified:	14 Dec 2017 03:35
Item ID:	14200
Subjects:	General Issues > Determinism/Indeterminism General Issues > Laws of Nature Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
Date:	4 December 2017
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/14200

Available Versions of this Item

• Time's Arrow in a Quantum Universe I: On the Simplicity and Uniqueness of the Initial Quantum State. (deposited 05 Dec 2017 18:18)
  • Time's Arrow in a Quantum Universe I: On the Simplicity and Uniqueness of the Initial Quantum State. (deposited 14 Dec 2017 03:35) [Currently Displayed]
    • Quantum Mechanics in a Time-Asymmetric Universe: On the Nature of the Initial Quantum State. (deposited 09 Jun 2018 18:44)
      • Quantum Mechanics in a Time-Asymmetric Universe: On the Nature of the Initial Quantum State. (deposited 30 Sep 2018 15:27)
        • Quantum Mechanics in a Time-Asymmetric Universe: On the Nature of the Initial Quantum State. (deposited 11 Mar 2022 02:14)

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