Quantum Mechanics in a Time-Asymmetric Universe: On the Nature of the Initial Quantum State

TL;DR

This paper proposes that the initial quantum state of the universe can be uniquely determined by the Past Hypothesis, simplifying quantum ontology and suggesting it functions as a law of nature.

Contribution

It introduces Density Matrix Realism and the Initial Projection Hypothesis, providing a natural, unique initial quantum state based on the Past Hypothesis.

Findings

The initial density matrix is simple and unique.

The initial quantum state can be seen as a law of nature.

Implications for quantum statistical mechanics and universe's unity.

Abstract

In a quantum universe with a strong arrow of time, we postulate a low-entropy boundary condition (the Past Hypothesis) to account for the temporal asymmetry. In this paper, I show that the Past Hypothesis also contains enough information to simplify the quantum ontology and define a natural initial condition. First, I introduce Density Matrix Realism, the thesis that the quantum state of the universe is objective and impure. This stands in sharp contrast to Wave Function Realism, the thesis that the quantum state of the universe is objective and pure. Second, I suggest that the Past Hypothesis is sufficient to determine a natural density matrix, which is simple and unique. This is achieved by what I call the Initial Projection Hypothesis: the initial density matrix of the universe is the (normalized) projection onto the Past Hypothesis subspace (in the Hilbert space). Third, because the initial quantum state is unique and simple, we have a strong case for the Nomological Thesis: the initial quantum state of the universe is on a par with laws of nature. This new package of ideas has several interesting implications, including on the harmony between statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics, theoretical unity of the universe and the subsystems, and the alleged conflict between Humean supervenience and quantum entanglement.