For espoused systems thinkers who are predisposed towards towards finding an equilibrium (or maybe one amongst multiple equilibria), a discussion about entropy can raise discomfort. In the systems sciences, the second law of thermodynamics — as an entropic process — is often cited by the learned as a universal law applicable across physics, chemistry, biology … as well as social systems.
In economics, Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen drew attention to the inconvenience that “perpetual motion of the third kind is impossible“. Thus, “a closed system that does work forever at a steady rate” violates the second law of thermodynamics. Towards unpacking the implications of this universal law, we drew on David L. Hawk for expertise.
This video has been archived on the Internet Archive .
| Video | H.264 MP4 |
| March 14 (1h37m) |
[20220314_ST-ON EntropySecondLawOfThermodynamics HDPlus.m4v] (HDPlus 1073kbps 836MB) [on the Internet Archive] |
Audio downloadable onto mobile devices was transcoded from the video into MP3.
| Audio | |
| March 14 (1h37m) |
[20220314_ST-ON EntropySecondLawOfThermodynamics.mp3] (33.5MB) |
Developing and appreciation for entropy — let alone the controversies within correct scientific use of the second law of thermodynamics — is challenging, at best. If we really wanted to get serious about understand living systems, we might look into the thermodynamics and ecology writings of James Kay, or read Eric D. Schneider and Dorion Sagan (2005) Into the Cool: Energy Flow, Thermodynamics, and Life.
Whenever I get into a discussion about entropy, it’s a toss-up whether I’m become less confused after the conversation, or more confused. … Read more (in a new tab)
For espoused systems thinkers who are predisposed towards towards finding an equilibrium (or maybe one amongst multiple equilibria), a discussion about entropy can raise discomfort. In the systems sciences, the second law of thermodynamics — as an entropic process — is often cited by the learned as a universal law applicable across physics, chemistry, biology … as well as social systems.
In economics, Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen drew attention to the inconvenience that “perpetual motion of the third kind is impossible“. Thus, “a closed system that does work forever at a steady rate” violates the second law of thermodynamics. Towards unpacking the implications of this universal law, we drew on David L. Hawk for expertise.
This video has been archived on the Internet Archive .
| Video | H.264 MP4 |
| March 14 (1h37m) |
[20220314_ST-ON EntropySecondLawOfThermodynamics HDPlus.m4v] (HDPlus 1073kbps 836MB) [on the Internet Archive] |
Audio downloadable onto mobile devices was transcoded from the video into MP3.
| Audio | |
| March 14 (1h37m) |
[20220314_ST-ON EntropySecondLawOfThermodynamics.mp3] (33.5MB) |
Developing and appreciation for entropy — let alone the controversies within correct scientific use of the second law of thermodynamics — is challenging, at best. If we really wanted to get serious about understand living systems, we might look into the thermodynamics and ecology writings of James Kay, or read Eric D. Schneider and Dorion Sagan (2005) Into the Cool: Energy Flow, Thermodynamics, and Life.
Whenever I get into a discussion about entropy, it’s a toss-up whether I’m become less confused after the conversation, or more confused. … Read more (in a new tab)
