Probability and time symmetry in classical Markov processes

Abstract

Definitions of time symmetry and examples of time-directed behaviour are discussed in the framework of discrete Markov processes. It is argued that typical examples of time-directed behaviour can be described using time-symmetric transition probabilities. Some current arguments in favour of a distinction between past and future on the basis of probabilistic considerations are thereby judged to be unjustified.

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2009-01-28

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Guido Bacciagaluppi
Utrecht University

Citations of this work

Boltzmann's H-theorem, its discontents, and the birth of statistical mechanics.Harvey R. Brown, Wayne Myrvold & Jos Uffink - 2009 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 40 (2):174-191.
Probability, arrow of time and decoherence.Guido Bacciagaluppi - 2006 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 38 (2):439-456.
Probability, arrow of time and decoherence.Guido Bacciagaluppi - 2007 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 38 (2):439-456.
Time Reversal Symmetry and Collapse Models.D. J. Bedingham & O. J. E. Maroney - 2017 - Foundations of Physics 47 (5):670-696.

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References found in this work

Beables for quantum field theory.J. S. Bell - 1987 - In Basil J. Hiley & D. Peat (eds.), Quantum Implications: Essays in Honour of David Bohm. Methuen. pp. 227--234.
Temporally oriented laws.Elliott Sober - 1993 - Synthese 94 (2):171 - 189.
Probability, arrow of time and decoherence.Guido Bacciagaluppi - 2006 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 38 (2):439-456.

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