From Randomness and Entropy to the Arrow of Time

Résumé
The Element reconstructs, analyses and compares different derivational routes to a grounding of the Arrow of Time in entropy. It also evaluates the link between entropy and visible disorder, and the related claim of an alignment of the Arrow of Time with a development from order to visible disorder. The Element identifies three different entropy-groundings for the Arrow of Time: (i) the Empirical Arrow of Time, (ii) the Universal Statistical Arrow of Time, and (iii) the Local Statistical Arrow of Time. The Element will also demonstrate that it is unlikely that high entropy states will always coincide with visible disorder. Therefore, it will dispute that there is a strong link between the Arrow of Time and visible disorder.

Contenu

1. Introduction; 2. Three ways to define randomness and disorder; 3. Two approaches to entropy; 4. Two versions of the second law; 5. Three arrows of time; 6. Conclusions; Bibliography.