Conceptual Reconstruction of the Entropy Principle in Modern Physics: A Philosophical and Historical Review
Keywords:
Entropy, Philosophy of Physics, ThermodynamicsAbstract
This article reconstructs the conceptual principle of entropy in modern physics using a historical-critical approach that integrates the perspectives of classical thermodynamics, statistical physics, and modern cosmology. Entropy, originally introduced as a measure of irreversibility in thermodynamics, has evolved into a probabilistic concept that links the microscopic and macroscopic states of a system through statistical theory. This development has given rise to various formulations of entropy that influence how physicists understand order, the arrow of time, and the evolution of the cosmos. In statistical physics, entropy reflects the number of possible microstates, while in modern cosmology, horizon entropy and information entropy play a role in explaining the broader dynamics of the universe. Philosophical studies of entropy reveal profound implications for how we view the second law of thermodynamics, the status of laws of nature, and the relationship between the structure of physics and scientific epistemology. Through a critical review of recent literature in physics and the philosophy of science, this article shows that the meaning of entropy continues to evolve, reflecting an integration of theory, observation, and conceptual interpretation. The key findings demonstrate that entropy is not simply a technical measure, but a dynamic theoretical construct that shapes our understanding of the order and disorder of nature. This article enriches contemporary discourse in the philosophy of physics by emphasizing the importance of historical and reflective analysis of this fundamental scientific concept.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Zulfadhli, Fatima Hassan, Maria Bugeja, Marc Heinen (Author)
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