The Physical Basis Of The Direction Of Time (the Frontiers Collection), 5th Edition

the frontiers collection the frontiers collection Series Editors: A.C. Elitzur M.P. Silverman J. Tuszynski R. Vaas H.D. Zeh The books in this collection are devoted to challenging and open problems at the forefront of modern science, including related philosophical debates. In contrast to typical research monographs, however, they strive to present their topics in a manner accessible also to scientifically literate non-specialists wishing to gain insight into the deeper implications and fascinating questions involved. Taken as a whole, the series reflects the need for a fundamental and interdisciplinary approach to modern science. Furthermore, it is intended to encourage active scientists in all areas to ponder over important and perhaps controversial issues beyond their own speciality. Extending from quantum physics and relativity to entropy, consciousness and complex systems – the Frontiers Collection will inspire readers to push back the frontiers of their own knowledge. Information and Its Role in Nature By J. G. Roederer Relativity and the Nature of Spacetime By V. Petkov Quo Vadis Quantum Mechanics? Edited by A. C. Elitzur, S. Dolev, N. Kolenda The Thermodynamic Machinery of Life By M. Kurzynski The Emerging Physics of Consciousness Edited by J. A. Tuszynski Life – As a Matter of Fat The Emerging Science of Lipidomics By O. G. Mouritsen Weak Links Stabilizers of Complex Systems from Proteins to Social Networks By P. Csermely Quantum–Classical Analogies By D. Dragoman and M. Dragoman Mind, Matter and the Implicate Order By P.T.I. Pylkkänen Knowledge and the World Challenges Beyond the Science Wars Edited by M. Carrier, J. Roggenhofer, G. Küppers, P. Blanchard Quantum Mechanics at the Crossroads New Perspectives from History, Philosophy and Physics By J. Evans, A.S. Thomdike Quantum–Classical Correspondence By A. O. Bolivar Particle Metaphysics A Critical Account of Subatomic Reality By B. Falkenburg Mind, Matter and Quantum Mechanics By H. Stapp Quantum Mechanics and Gravity By M. Sachs The Physical Basis of the Direction of Time By H.D. Zeh Extreme Events in Nature and Society Edited by S. Albeverio, V. Jentsch, H. Kantz Asymmetry: The Foundation of Information By S.J. Muller H. Dieter Zeh THE PHYSICAL BASIS OF THE DIRECTION OF TIME 5th edition With 35 Figures 123 Professor Dr. H. Dieter Zeh University of Heidelberg, Institute of Theoretical Physics, Philosophenweg 19, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany email: [email protected] Series Editors: Avshalom C. Elitzur Rüdiger Vaas Bar-Ilan University, Unit of Interdisciplinary Studies, 52900 Ramat-Gan, Israel email: [email protected] University of Gießen, Center for Philosophy and Foundations of Science 35394 Gießen, Germany email: [email protected] Mark P. Silverman H. Dieter Zeh Department of Physics, Trinity College, Hartford, CT