Where is the arrow of time if every decision is essentially instant?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on John Gribbin's interpretation of quantum mechanics as presented in his book 'Schrödinger's Kittens and the Search for Reality'. Gribbin proposes that quantum entities communicate through retarded and advanced waves, leading to a cancellation effect that results in an overall time of zero. This raises questions about the existence of an arrow of time and the role of entropy in a system where every particle's decision is instant. The conversation highlights the complexity of quantum interpretations and the philosophical implications of time and irreversibility.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
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  • Basic grasp of entropy and its implications in physics
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Ryan_M
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In John Gribbin's book 'Schrödinger's Kittens and the Search for Reality', Gribbins describes a quantum interpretation that claims to solve the so called,'spooky action at a distance'. From what I've gathered, perhaps naively, is that quantum entities spontaneously communicate through the act of retarded waves (traveling forward in time) and advanced waves (traveling backward in time) traveling along the same path, which then results in a cancellation and an ultimate overall time of zero. The whole process is completely atemporal and every particle's decision, everywhere in the universe, is instant.

So, in the hope that my over simplified perception is at least not complete rubbish, I ask, how can there be any arrow of time at all? How can entropy even have a chance in doing its job? Should the net result not be in favor of the retarded waves? Am I missing something technical or something more philosophical?

Thanks.
 
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I know its in breach of forum rules to try and bump up my own post, but can somebody please shed some light or at least shoot me down if this is complete crap?
 
Ryan_M said:
In John Gribbin's book 'Schrödinger's Kittens and the Search for Reality', Gribbins describes a quantum interpretation ...

There are many "quantum interpretations" on the market. Some of them include microscopic irreversibility from the very start (as Prigogine was advocating for), some have to relegate it to causes that need to be invented later on.

That is a general answer, I know. I do not know how the observed irreversibility is dealt with in one particular scheme that Gribbin is talking about.
 

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