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186031

The thermodynamic arrow of time in quantum cosmology

Katinka Ridderbos

pp. 179-194

Abstract

It is an observational fact that the arrow defined by the increase of thermodynamic entropy points in the same direction as the arrow defined by the expansion of the universe. However, the status of this relation is a highly debated issue. Famously, Gold (1958, 1962) argued that, far from being a contingent fact, the relation is a causal one: the thermodynamic entropy increases as a result of the expansion of the universe, whereas in a collapsing universe the entropy necessarily decreases.

Publication details

Published in:

Rojszczak Artur, Cachro Jacek, Kurczewski Gabriel (2003) Philosophical dimensions of logic and science: selected contributed papers from the 11th international congress of logic, methodology, and philosophy of science, Kraków, 1999. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 179-194

DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-2612-2_14

Full citation:

Ridderbos Katinka (2003) „The thermodynamic arrow of time in quantum cosmology“, In: A. Rojszczak, J. Cachro & G. Kurczewski (eds.), Philosophical dimensions of logic and science, Dordrecht, Springer, 179–194.