Quantitative studies of irreversibility in statistical mechanics often involve the consideration of a reverse process, whose definition has been the object of many discussions, in particular for quantum mechanical systems. Here we show that the reverse channel very naturally arises from Bayesian retrodiction, in both classical and quantum theories. Previous paradigmatic results, such as Jarzynski's equality, Crooks' fluctuation theorem, and Tasaki's two-measurement fluctuation theorem for closed driven quantum systems, are all shown to be consistent with retrodictive arguments. Also, various corrections that were introduced to deal with nonequilibrium steady states or open quantum systems are justified on general grounds as remnants of Bayesian retrodiction. More generally, with the reverse process constructed on consistent logical inference, fluctuation relations acquire a much broader form and scope.

• Received 23 September 2020
• Revised 1 December 2020
• Accepted 7 April 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.103.052111