Many Worlds are irrelevant for the problem of the arrow of time

TL;DR

This paper critiques Gao's claim that only the many worlds interpretation explains the arrow of time, arguing that his reasoning is flawed and could hinder scientific explanations.

Contribution

It refutes Gao's argument, demonstrating that the many worlds interpretation is not uniquely necessary for explaining the arrow of time.

Findings

Gao's argument is untenable

The many worlds interpretation is not the only explanation

Potential implications for scientific explanations of time's arrow

Abstract

In a recent paper, S. Gao has claimed that, under the assumption that the initial state of the universe is a pure quantum state, only the many worlds interpretation can account for the observed arrow of time. We show that his argument is untenable and that if endorsed it potentially leads to undermine the search for a scientific explanation of certain phenomena.