Key Concepts and Problems in the Philosophy of Thermodynamics

Philosophical Issues in Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, and Information Theory (April 14-27, 2026)

“Key Concepts and Problems in the Philosophy of Thermodynamics”

Prof. Lorenzo Lorenzetti

This class introduces the central conceptual framework and foundational problems of thermodynamics as understood through statistical mechanics. It will broadly focus on three closely connected topics: (i) the notion of equilibrium and the relation between macroscopic thermodynamic behaviour and microscopic dynamics; (ii) the concept of entropy, with particular emphasis on its statistical interpretation and its role in characterising equilibrium and non-equilibrium states; and (iii) the problem of irreversibility—namely, how the time-asymmetric Second Law of thermodynamics can be reconciled with time-reversal-invariant, deterministic microphysics.