What exactly does the proposed 4th law of thermodynamics mean?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the proposed fourth law of thermodynamics, specifically its implications and meaning in relation to the established laws of thermodynamics. Participants explore the theoretical aspects and background research associated with this new law.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a definition of the proposed fourth law, emphasizing its relation to non-equilibrium states and entropy.
  • Multiple participants request references for the quoted definition, indicating a need for source verification.
  • One participant notes that the fourth law appears to be independent of the existing laws of thermodynamics, suggesting it may not be derived from them.
  • A participant expresses appreciation for the introduction of the topic, indicating a desire for further expert explanation on its significance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the meaning or implications of the proposed fourth law, and multiple viewpoints are presented regarding its independence from the existing laws of thermodynamics.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not yet provided detailed explanations or analyses of the proposed law, and the discussion remains at an exploratory stage with references being sought for further clarity.

DeathByKugelBlitz
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'Every non-equilibrium state of a system or local subsystem for which entropy is well defined must be equipped with a metric in state space with respect to which the irreversible component of its time evolution is in the direction of steepest entropy ascent compatible with the conservation constraints.'

I understand the first 4 laws but this one is new
 
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Do you have a reference for your quote?
 
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Wow, this is fresh stuff with a lot of background research from the last 40 years. It looks like it is not a consequence of the 0th (transitivity of thermodynamic equilibrium and empiric/operational definition of temperature), 1st, 2nd and 3rd laws of thermodynamics, but an independent conclusion. I can't say more right now, I let some expert offer an explanation of its meaning and relevance.
I thank you for bringing it up.
 
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