A model of the universe: space-time, probability, and decision

Abstract

Part 1 The model Part 2 The direction and flow of time: the direction of time time flow - the mind-dependency theory objective time flow McTaggart's alleged proof of the inconsistency of the A-series truth-conditions for temporal discourse Cambridge change and real change. Part 3 Causation and laws of nature: the link between cause and effect laws of nature cosmology scientific knowledge three differing views - Armstrong, Dretske, and Tooley, Lewis and van Fraassen laws. Part 4 An interpretation of quantum mechanics: quantum probabilities quantum non-locality and the EPR experiment the measurement problem comparison with the many-worlds interpretation indeterminism. Part 5 Probability: rival theories of probability the branched definition of probability a probability value for every event. Part 6 Conditionals: truth-values and probability values inferential, degree of belief and possible world analyses of counterfactuals comparative similarity two kinds of conditionals semantics for type-A conditionals type-B conditionals summary on conditionals. Part 7 Individuals and identity: actualism and modal realism individuals in the model transtemporal identity transworld identity puzzle cases of identity. Part 8 Essential properties: the necessity of origin naturals kinds. Part 9 Decision and free will: chance, deliberation and decision deliberation-reasons and explanation-reasons the causal theory of action responsibility for decisions indeterministic mechanisms which select their own future states summing-up. Appendices: the topology of spaces four-dimensional space-time a picture of Mermin's EPR experiment probabilities of conditionals defined as conditional probabilities.