If entropy were reversed, would time be reversed?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter TheQuestionGuy14
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Entropy Time
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of reversing the second law of thermodynamics and its effect on the perception of time. If entropy were to decrease and all matter reverted to its previous state, the question arises whether time would flow backward or continue forward with matter in reverse. The consensus indicates that the perception of time is subjective and depends on the interpretation of "time flowing backwards." The thread concludes that a more rigorous formulation of the question is necessary for a definitive answer.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the second law of thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with the concept of entropy
  • Knowledge of the nature of time in physics
  • Basic grasp of subjective perception in philosophical contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the second law of thermodynamics on physical systems
  • Explore philosophical interpretations of time and its flow
  • Investigate the relationship between entropy and information theory
  • Study the concept of time reversal in theoretical physics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, philosophers, students of thermodynamics, and anyone interested in the nature of time and entropy.

TheQuestionGuy14
Messages
158
Reaction score
8
If we reversed the second law of thermodynamics, and entropy decreased, and also managed to reverse the motion for all matter in the universe, so that in 24 hours, everything would return to the state it was at then, would time be said to be flowing backwards? Or would time still be flowing forward, just matter is in reverse?
 
Science news on Phys.org
If time were to flow backward, you could not be aware of it. Everything in the entire universe would have to revert to its previous state, including the state of the neurons in your brain.

AM
 
TheQuestionGuy14 said:
would time be said to be flowing backwards? Or would time still be flowing forward, just matter is in reverse?
Whatever is said depends on what the speaker thinks the words "time flowing backwards" mean.

That's not a very satisfying answer, but I don't believe that the question as asked has any better answer.
This thread is closed, but as with all such thread closures we can reopen it when and if someone suggests a more rigorous way of formulating the question.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 57 ·
2
Replies
57
Views
8K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
6K