Thermodynamics and Analogies in Social Life

On the basis of the analogy between thermodynamics, describing a non-equilibrium thermodynamic system, and the system of state governance, the characteristics of two extreme models of state structure – conservative and liberal – are discussed. The first model by its macroscopic properties approaches a closed non-equilibrium thermodynamic system, in which in the linear case, according to Onsager’s theory, the role of the governing principle is played by the maximum of entropy production (Ziegler’s principle). And the second one is an analogue of an open thermodynamic system, in which at large deviations from equilibrium inevitable nonlinearities in the interrelations of elements can initiate the emergence of a self-organizing dissipative structure. But in the linear case, the limiting principle characterizing its development to a stationary state is the minimum of entropy production (Prigozhin’s principle). The proposed models are far from the well-known theories of social entropy, which are aimed at describing the characteristics of social groups. The limited resources of the planet and the steady technological development of civilization suggest by analogy that, despite a number of advantages of the liberal mode of governing society, the future remains for the conservative mode of governance.

thermodynamics, open system, closed system, nonequilibrium system, linear regime, nonlinearity, dissipative structure, state, governing regime