Can we travel to the past? Irreversible physics along closed timelike curves

TL;DR

This paper explores the physics of closed timelike curves in Einstein's solutions, demonstrating that considering irreversible phenomena resolves paradoxes and puzzlement associated with time travel.

Contribution

It introduces a perspective that the inclusion of irreversible physics removes paradoxes in solutions with closed timelike curves.

Findings

Irreversible phenomena eliminate paradoxes in closed timelike curve solutions

Careful physics discussion resolves longstanding puzzles about time travel

Closed timelike curves are consistent when irreversible processes are considered

Abstract

The Einstein equations allow solutions containing closed timelike curves. These have generated much puzzlement and suspicion that they could imply paradoxes. I show that puzzlement and paradoxes disappears if we discuss carefully the physics of the irreversible phenomena in the context of these solutions.