On the Structural Distinction Between Entropy and Time in Dynamical Theories - MDPI
mdpi.com
This paper challenges one of physics' deepest assumptions — that entropy's arrow and time's arrow are the same thing, and showing they're not could rewrite how we understand causality itself.
Arrow of TimeSecond Law of ThermodynamicsBoltzmann EntropyDynamical Systems Theory
Theory Briefing
- The paper argues time orders the evolution of states while entropy merely assigns scalar values — structurally distinct roles long conflated in physics.
- Conflating entropy with time has quietly shaped dynamical theories for over a century, but this analysis exposes the conceptual error at the foundation.
- Separating the two concepts forces a rethink of the Second Law's role: entropy increase may be a feature of states, not a driver of temporal direction.