The Direction of Time · Philosophy
the 2nd law of thermodynamics gives way to time directedness in physics
About the difference in perspectives of time
The course load is centered around the books written by the professor who demands a purchase of his own book and then proceeds to educate on only the concepts he deems important while ignoring and belittling all alternative arguments. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Fall 2021 Course: PHILGU4675_001_2021_3-THEDIRECTIONOFTIME : PHILGU4675_001_2021_3 - THE DIRECTION OF TIME Instructor: David Albert
Learn mostly 'stereotypical' physics knowledge (mechanics and mechanical laws, phase spaces, botlzmann's arguments concerning entropy and probability distributions), whilst 'stereotypical' philosophy is only introduced right at the end (as it is in Albert's book, when he only comes to epistemology in the final chapter)
Only those who want to spend their time thinking about the theoretical underpinnings of physics as specifically understood by one unique thinker (and his antecedent interlocutors) should really consider it
This class is very much about complex concepts relating to theoretical physics. If one takes the time to completely understand the material at hand, the class will paradigmatically change the way one views physics as a whole. I've heard some complaints about the class being too difficult or not really making sense, but if one actually takes a second to think about what's going on with the material, the class is absolutely amazing especially for those studying physics. Albert's account of the history of physics in his book and course break these overwhelming concepts into bite size pieces. I highly recommend this class to anyone who is interested in theoretical physics. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Fall 2022 Course: PHILGU4675_001_2022_3-THEDIRECTIONOFTIME : PHILGU4675_001_2022_3 - THE DIRECTION OF TIME Instructor: David Albert
The course offers an interesting perspective on the debate around our perception of the “direction” of time. A blend of theoretical physics and philosophy. It is not a course that offers answers (indeed, perhaps it prompts more questions) but it gives many stimuli for future exploration.
Temporal asymmetry of thermodynamics and entropy and its successful reduction to Statistical Mechanics, the statistical postulate and past hypothesis as additional laws of nature, epistemic and causal asymmetries, some quantum formulations, maxwell's demon and perpetual motion machines, counterfactuals, theories of time, the block universe, Humeanism, phase diagrams.
A fascinating perspective combining physics and philosophy with a focus on thermodynamics and its philosophical dimensions. As an undergraduate student majoring in Physics and Philosophy, this course was my dream.
I recommend it a lot, but only if you already like theoretical physics.