The Physical Basis of The Direction of TimeThis book has been thoroughly revised to include important new results. At the same time it retains the features that make it a classic text on irreversibility, and one which clearly distinguishes the latter from those time asymmetries which may be compensated for by other asymmetries. The book investigates irreversible phenomena in classical, quantum and cosmological settings. In particular, this fourth edition contains a revised treatment of radiation damping as well as extended sections on dynamical maps, quantum entanglement and decoherence, arrows of time hidden in various interpretations of quantum theory, and the emergence of time in quantum gravity. Both physicists and philosophers of science who reviewed earlier editions considered this book a magnificent survey, a concise, technically sophisticated, up-to-date discussion of the subject, showing showing fine sensitivity to crucial conceptual subtleties. |
Contents
II | 9 |
III | 15 |
IV | 18 |
V | 22 |
VI | 26 |
VII | 32 |
VIII | 37 |
IX | 40 |
XXIV | 107 |
XXV | 109 |
XXVI | 111 |
XXVII | 116 |
XXVIII | 121 |
XXIX | 133 |
XXX | 137 |
XXXI | 146 |
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Common terms and phrases
accelerated according analogy approximation assumed black hole Boltzmann's boundary conditions causality Chap characterize classical collapse concept configuration space coordinates correlations corresponding cosmological curvature decay decoherence defined density matrix derived described deterministic dynamical laws eigenstates Einstein energy ensemble entropy entanglement environment example field theory finite foliation formal Friedmann fundamental Giulini global Hamiltonian Hilbert space homogeneous horizon indeterminism initial condition interaction interpretation irreversible Kiefer leads Lett light cones macroscopic master equation matter means measurement metric motion nonlocal objects observed parameter particle phase space phenomenological photons Phys physical entropy probability quantization quantum gravity quantum mechanical quantum theory quasi-classical radiation relevant represent retarded reversal Schrödinger equation Schwarzschild Sect singularity solution spacetime spatial statistical subsystems superposition superspace symmetry T-symmetric tensor thermodynamical arrow three-geometries tion trajectories universe vanish variables wave function wave packets Weyl tensor Wheeler-DeWitt equation WKB approximation Zwanzig projection
Popular passages
Page 6 - ... position among the laws of Nature. If someone points out to you that your pet theory of the universe is in disagreement with Maxwell's equations — then so much the worse for Maxwell's equations. If it is found to be contradicted by observation — well, these experimentalists do bungle things sometimes. But if your theory is found to be against the second law of thermodynamics I can give you no hope; there is nothing for it but to collapse in deepest humiliation.
Page 6 - A theory is the more impressive the greater the simplicity of its premises is, the more different kinds of things it relates, and the more extended is its area of applicability. Therefore the deep impression which classical thermodynamics made upon me. It is the only physical theory of universal content concerning which I am convinced that, within the framework of the applicability of its basic concepts, it will never be overthrown (for the special attention of those who are skeptics on principle).
Page 6 - The law that entropy always increases — the second law of thermodynamics — holds, I think, the supreme position among the laws of Nature. If someone points out to you that your pet theory of the universe is in disagreement with Maxwell's equation — then so much the worse for Maxwell's equation.