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arXiv · 2512.03380

Constraints on Reversing the Thermodynamic Arrow of Time from Black Hole Thermodynamics, Wormholes, and Time-Symmetric Quantum Mechanics

Kevin Song·John Zhang
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Abstract

Can the thermodynamic arrow of time in a single universe be reversed, even temporarily, within semiclassical gravity without invoking additional universes or branches? We address this question in a single, connected spacetime where quantum field theory is coupled to classical general relativity, and where black holes, traversable wormholes, and time-symmetric or retrocausal formulations of quantum mechanics might naively appear to open channels for entropy export or cancellation. After distinguishing fine-grained, coarse-grained, and generalized gravitational entropy, and formulating a cosmological coarse-grained entropy, we treat black hole evaporation, wormholes constrained by quantum energy inequalities, and two-time boundary-value frameworks (including absorber-type and two-state-vector formalisms) within a common information-theoretic language. We then introduce a "Global Entropy Transport" (GET) framework and derive a sectoral inequality that bounds the net decrease of matter-plus-radiation entropy in terms of changes in horizon area and correlation (mutual-information) terms, assuming the generalized second law and modern focusing and energy conditions. Within this framework, black holes, wormholes, and retrocausal protocols can at most redistribute entropy among matter, radiation, and gravitational sectors and reshape the local pattern of entropy production. They do not, under current semiclassical, holographic, and statistical-mechanical constraints, permit a genuine reversal of the universal thermodynamic arrow in a single connected universe.

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Kevin Song, John Zhang. 2025-12-03. Constraints on Reversing the Thermodynamic Arrow of Time from Black Hole Thermodynamics, Wormholes, and Time-Symmetric Quantum Mechanics. https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.03380

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