Epistemic paradoxes in the informational approaches to thermical physics

Authors

  • Javier Anta Universidad de Barcelona

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5007/1808-1711.2020v24n3p477

Abstract

In this paper I aim to assess the conceptual and interpretative basis of the ‘infothermal paradox’ underlying informational approaches to thermal physics (particularly the work of Jaynes [1957] and Brillouin [1962]), claiming that information both increases and decreases when observing a system approaching thermal equilibrium. I defend that, even when different concepts and types of information are distinguished, the paradox persist because of a robust connection (epistemic, informational and theoretical) between the information-increasing and the information-decreasing side of this thesis. Finally, I will conclude by arguing that the info-thermal paradox properly manifests deep conceptual-interpretative inconsistencies underlying information-centric thermal physics.

Author Biography

Javier Anta, Universidad de Barcelona

Universidad de Barcelona – Logos , SPAIN

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Published

2020-12-15

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Articles