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Updated: Jul 26, 2025
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Published on: August 18, 2023
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Toward a universal theory of stable evolution
Peter Ván1,2
1Department of Theoretical Physics, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, H-1525, Konkoly Thege Miklós u. 29-33, Budapest, Hungary.
Summary
Thermodynamics provides a stability structure linking entropy to equilibrium, explaining natural selection. These universal thermodynamic concepts and mathematical tools can model dynamical theories across all sciences.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Complex Systems Science
- Theoretical Physics
Background:
- Non-equilibrium thermodynamics relies on a stability structure, where entropy acts as a Lyapunov function.
- System stability is fundamental to natural selection, determining survival and transience.
- The universality of thermodynamic concepts allows broad applicability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the universal applicability of thermodynamic stability structures.
- To demonstrate how thermodynamics can unify natural and social sciences.
- To introduce the formalism of constrained entropy inequality.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the stability structure in non-equilibrium thermodynamics.
- Application of Lyapunov function principles to entropy.
- Utilizing the formalism of constrained entropy inequality.
Main Results:
- Established a direct link between entropy and Lyapunov functions in thermodynamic equilibrium.
- Demonstrated that stability is the basis for natural selection and system survival.
- Confirmed the universal nature of thermodynamic concepts and mathematical tools.
Conclusions:
- Thermodynamic stability structures offer a universal framework for understanding complex systems.
- The principles of non-equilibrium thermodynamics can be applied to formulate dynamical theories in both natural and social sciences.
- This work bridges natural and social sciences through the lens of thermodynamics.
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