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Humean time-reversal symmetry.

Cristian López1, Michael Esfeld1

  • 1Department of Philosophy, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.

Synthese
|July 20, 2023
PubMed
Summary

This paper introduces Humean time-reversal symmetry, interpreting it as an epistemic virtue rather than a property of the Humean mosaic. This novel perspective removes a key objection to the primitive direction of time, supporting time primitivism.

Area of Science:

  • Philosophy of Physics
  • Metaphysics
  • Foundations of Science

Background:

  • The concept of time-reversal symmetry is central to physics, but its interpretation in philosophical contexts, particularly concerning the direction of time, remains debated.
  • Standard interpretations often link time-reversal symmetry to fundamental physical laws and the Humean mosaic of properties.
  • Existing arguments against a primitive direction of time often rely on the perceived implications of time-reversal symmetry.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose an alternative interpretation of time-reversal symmetry, termed "Humean time-reversal symmetry."
  • To re-evaluate the relationship between time-reversal symmetry and the Humean view of the world.
  • To address and neutralize a significant argument against the possibility of a primitive direction of time.
Keywords:
Best systemHumeanismSymmetryThe direction of timeTime-reversal symmetry

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Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of time-reversal symmetry within the philosophy of physics.
  • Development of the "Humean time-reversal symmetry" interpretation.
  • Examination of the implications of this new interpretation for arguments concerning the direction of time.

Main Results:

  • Time-reversal symmetry is re-conceptualized not as an intrinsic property of the Humean mosaic, but as a heuristic or epistemic virtue of the best system.
  • This reinterpretation renders a major argument against a primitive direction of time ineffective.
  • The view presented facilitates a more robust defense of primitivism about the direction of time.

Conclusions:

  • The proposed Humean time-reversal symmetry offers a novel framework for understanding a fundamental physical concept in philosophy.
  • By decoupling time-reversal symmetry from the Humean mosaic, this interpretation opens new avenues for discussing the nature of time's direction.
  • This work supports the philosophical position of primitivism regarding the direction of time.