Title: Cosmic Inflation and the Arrow of Time

Abstract: I briefly review the impressive successes of cosmic inflation theory, especially in light of the WMAP results. I then analyze one particularly fascinating theoretical aspect of cosmic inflation, namely its relationship to the thermodynamic arrow of time. This analysis allows a deeper look at the role of inflation as a theory of initial conditions, and also provides criteria with which to contrast competing explanations of the origins of our universe. I concluded with some recent new results in this area which expose fascinating interrelationships between Inflation, Holography and Quantum Gravity.