The Entropy Theory of Counterfactuals
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 10705346 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Douglas N Kutach, Douglas Kutach (University of Oklahoma, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2002 |
| Volume | 69 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 82-104 |
| Publication date | 2002-03-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Philosophy of Science (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0031-8248 • E-ISSN: 1539-767X |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1086/338942 |
| OpenAlex | W1969648065 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 8 |
| References cited | 10 |
I assess the thesis that counterfactual asymmetries are explained by an asymmetry of the global entropy at the temporal boundaries of the universe, by developing a method of evaluating counterfactuals that includes, as a background assumption, the low entropy of the early universe. The resulting theory attempts to vindicate the common practice of holding the past mostly fixed under counterfactual supposition while at the same time allowing the counterfactual's antecedent to obtain by a natural physical development. Although the theory has some success in evaluating a wide variety of ordinary counterfactuals, it fails as an explanation of counterfactual asymmetry
Asymmetry · Counterfactual conditional · Counterfactual thinking · Econometrics · Entropy (arrow of time) · Epistemology · Mathematical economics · Physics · Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics · Mathematics · Philosophy · Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life · Statistical Mechanics and Entropy
| Citations per year | 0.8 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2016 - 2024 (9) |
| Highly cited | No |