The Arrow of Time and the Initial Conditions of the Universe

TL;DR

This paper discusses how the thermodynamic arrow of time suggests the universe's initial conditions were highly special and unlikely to have arisen from dynamical processes, raising questions about their origin.

Contribution

It argues that the universe's special initial conditions are unlikely to be explained by dynamical evolution, highlighting the need for alternative explanations.

Findings

The universe's initial state was highly special.

Dynamical origins for initial conditions are implausible.

The thermodynamic arrow of time is linked to initial conditions.

Abstract

The existence of a thermodynamic arrow of time in the present universe implies that the initial state of the observable portion of our universe at (or near) the ``big bang'' must have been very ``special''. We argue that it is not plausible that these special initial conditions have a dynamical origin.