B Why does time only move forward and not backwards?

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The discussion centers on the concept of time's unidirectional flow, primarily linked to the principle of entropy, which suggests that systems tend to move from order to disorder. Participants explore the philosophical and scientific implications of time, debating whether time can be reversed and how it relates to entropy. Some argue that time's direction is defined by the increase of entropy, while others question the very nature of time and its measurement. The conversation highlights the complexity of defining time in both everyday experiences and theoretical physics, with references to various scientific principles and philosophical viewpoints. Ultimately, the discussion reveals that the nature of time remains a deeply intricate and unresolved topic.
  • #31
Stavros Kiri said:
You did that not me
I am not the one who wrote "proven wrong".
 
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  • #32
jbriggs444 said:
I am not the one who wrote "proven wrong".
Yes, for your original statement, which later on I assume you realized its falsity: in reversed time, circles go inward (to a decreasing and not increasing entropy), while you said always outwards ... . Simple.
 
  • #33
Stavros Kiri said:
Yes, for your original statement, which later on I assume you realized its falsity: in reversed time, circles go inward (to a decreasing and not increasing entropy), while you said always outwards ... . Simple.
The original statement was and is correct.

Edit to add... Your objection appears to have been that there is only one correct labeling for past and future. My suggestion is that if we are to give meaning to the notion of "time flowing into the future", one approach is to note that the labeling is arbitrary.

However, as we both agree, operationally the result is the same. The observable progression for inhabitants of a time-reversed universe is indistinguishable from that for a time-normal universe. Time still "flows" from the direction of low entropy to high entropy.

We both agree that one might as well label the direction of low entropy as "past". It would appear that our disagreement is purely about words and not about physics. However, I dislike to see "proven false" applied to a disagreement about words.
 
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  • #34
It's not just about words.
jbriggs444 said:
Time still "flows" from the direction of low entropy to high entropy.
Is incorrect, if you switch "past" and "future". Just make yourself a simple diagram and think carefully.
 

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