Why do we see an entropy gradient?
We find ourselves in an observable universe in which entropy increases consistently in one direction, thereby showing time asymmetry - an arrow of time. Yet the vast majority of underlying dynamical processes are time-symmetric. How to account for this? Two broad approaches are considered here.
Note that the important issue is not whether we regard the entropy slope as positive or negative. If it is a matter of convention which direction counts as 'positive' time, then it follows that whether entropy is regarded as increasing or decreasing is likewise a matter of convention (see citation below).
Immediately related elementsHow this works
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The Arrow of Time  »The Arrow of Time 
The physics of time »The physics of time
The thermodynamic arrow »The thermodynamic arrow
Why do we see an entropy gradient?
Asymmetric boundary condition »Asymmetric boundary condition
Asymmetric physical processes »Asymmetric physical processes
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