Reversing the Arrow of Time

The arrow of time refers to the curious asymmetry that distinguishes the future from the past. Reversing the Arrow of Time argues that there is an intimate link between the symmetries of 'time itself' and time reversal symmetry in physical theories, which has wide-ranging implications for both physics and its philosophy. This link helps to clarify how we can learn about the symmetries of our world; how to understand the relationship between symmetries and what is real, and how to overcome pervasive illusions about the direction of time. Roberts explains the significance of time reversal in a way that intertwines physics and philosophy, to establish what the arrow of time means and how we can come to know it. This book is both mathematically and philosophically rigorous yet remains accessible to advanced undergraduates in physics and philosophy of physics. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

List of contents

1. A brief history of time reversal; 2. What time reversal means; 3. Time reversal in physical theory; 4. Philosophy of symmetry; 5. Arrows that misfire; 6. There is no thermodynamic arrow; 7. Time reversal violation; 8. Representing CPT; Epilogue; References; Index.

About the author

Bryan W. Roberts is Associate Professor at the London School of Economics where he directs the Centre for Philosophy of Natural and Social Sciences (CPNSS). He won the Leverhulme Prize in 2017 for his work on observables, and he publishes work in many areas of philosophy and physics.

Summary

Through an intertwining of physics and its philosophy, this book demonstrates how to distinguish the true arrow of time from illusory asymmetries. It is rigorous, richly illustrated, and accessible, ensuring its suitability for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of physics and philosophy, as well as contemporary researchers.

Product details

• Authors: Bryan W. Roberts, Bryan W. (London School of Economics and Roberts, Bryan W. (London School of Economics and Political Science) Roberts
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 30.09.2022
• EAN: 9781009123327
• ISBN: 978-1-0-0912332-7
• No. of pages: 200
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Philosophy > General, dictionaries; Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Physics, astronomy > General, dictionaries; Non-fiction book > Nature, technology > Astronomy: general, reference works; PHILOSOPHY / Metaphysics, SCIENCE / Physics / General, SCIENCE / Time, SCIENCE / Philosophy & Social Aspects, Philosophy of Science, Physics, Philosophy: metaphysics & ontology, Philosophy: metaphysics and ontology, Time (chronology), time systems & standards, Time (chronology), time systems and standards