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The five problems of irreversibility.

Michael Te Vrugt1

  • 1Institut für Theoretische Physik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany; Center for Soft Nanoscience, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany; Philosophisches Seminar, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, D-48143 Münster, Germany.

Studies in History and Philosophy of Science
|June 10, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study bridges physics and philosophy by applying dynamical density functional theory (DDFT) to the problem of irreversibility in thermodynamics. DDFT offers new insights into the arrow of time and equilibrium, benefiting both physicists and philosophers.

Keywords:
Arrow of timeCoarse-grainingDynamical density functional theorySoft condensed matterStatistical mechanicsThermodynamic irreversibility

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Area of Science:

  • Physics
  • Philosophy of Physics
  • Statistical Mechanics

Background:

  • Thermodynamics exhibits an arrow of time (irreversibility) contrasting with time-reversal invariant microscopic laws.
  • Foundational discussions of irreversibility often overlook modern physical research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To bridge the gap between foundational discussions of irreversibility and modern physical research.
  • To investigate the implications of dynamical density functional theory (DDFT) for the problem of irreversibility.

Main Methods:

  • Structuring the philosophical debate on irreversibility into five key problems.
  • Analyzing the application of dynamical density functional theory (DDFT) to these problems.

Main Results:

  • DDFT provides novel insights into the source of irreversibility in thermodynamics.
  • DDFT offers new perspectives on the definition of equilibrium and entropy.
  • DDFT contributes to understanding coarse-graining, the approach to equilibrium, and the arrow of time.

Conclusions:

  • Dynamical density functional theory (DDFT) is a crucial tool for understanding irreversibility in physics.
  • The study offers valuable insights for both physicists and philosophers of physics on the arrow of time.