The Character of Physical Law — 5: The Distinction of Past and Future
Jonathan
May 14, 20261 January 1964Cornell University, Ithaca NY
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Summary
The transcript explains why natural processes appear irreversible even though many fundamental physical laws are time-reversible. Using examples from mixing fluids, friction, temperature, entropy, and ratchet-like machines, it argues that irreversibility arises from probability, disorder, and energy becoming less available. It then broadens to scientific hierarchies, showing how higher-level phenomena and concepts connect to underlying physical laws.
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