Humean time-reversal symmetry.

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.

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.