Loschmidt's paradox
In 1876 Loschmidt objected to the H-theorem on the ground that it should not be possible to deduce a time-irreversible process from time-symmetric dynamics. This was because for every path in a system that leads to an increase in entropy there is a reverse path that reduces it.
The apparent paradox is explained by the H-theorem's reliance on the "assumption of molecular chaos", which turns out to be time-asymmetric (see cross-linked element dealing with this assumption).
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? »Why do we see an entropy gradient?
Asymmetric physical processes »Asymmetric physical processes
Bolztmann's H-theorem »Bolztmann's H-theorem
Loschmidt's paradox
Assumption of molecular chaos »Assumption of molecular chaos
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