Most observed processes are asymmetric. Cream stirs into coffee but doesn't stir out. This relates to the direction of time: ordered states evolve into disordered states. Thermodynamics expresses this asymmetry and statistical mechanics aims to explain it. This course examines these two theories and the role(s)of probability in physics.

Prerequisite(s): Philosophy 2300F/G or Philosophy 2310F/G or permission of the department.

Extra Information: 3.0 hours.