On a probabilistic definition of time

TL;DR

This paper proposes a probabilistic framework where the perception of time's flow arises from an observer’s limited ability to record complete system states, linking information compression to temporal evolution.

Contribution

It introduces a novel interpretation of time based on information theory, emphasizing the observer's role in defining temporal dynamics through data compression.

Findings

Temporal evolution linked to information compression

Observer's limitations influence initial state selection

Example illustrating the probabilistic time concept

Abstract

A mechanism is proposed that allows to interpret the temporal evolution of a physical system as a result of the inability of an observer to record its whole state and a simple example is given. It is based on a review of the concepts of information, entropy and order. It is suggested that the temporal evolution and the choice of the "initial state" depend on the way the observer "compresses" information.