Abstract
We performed an in depth analysis of the subjects of entropy and the second law of thermodynamics and how they are treated in astrophysical systems. These subjects are retraced historically from the early works on thermodynamics to the modern statistical mechanical approach and analyzed in view of specific practices within the field of astrophysics. As often happens in discussions regarding cosmology, the implications of this analysis range from physics to philosophy of science. We argue that the difficult question regarding entropy and the second law in the scope of cosmology is a consequence of the dominating paradigm. We further demonstrate this point by assuming an alternative paradigm, not related to thermodynamics of horizons, and successfully describing entropic behavior of astrophysical systems.
Highlights
The role of paradigm in the evolution of scientific theories has been extensively studied by philosophers of science
It is worth noticing that, despite the phenomenological stance of thermodynamics, rather abstract approaches became common in late 19th century [11], a trend that was deepened in the field of statistical mechanics that followed, as we demonstrate in the paragraphs
Selected aspects of the current understanding of astrophysical and cosmological entropy have been discussed in depth
Summary
The role of paradigm in the evolution of scientific theories has been extensively studied by philosophers of science. Since the works of Boltzmann and his H-theorem, many assumptions and postulates are constantly being debated [5] In his articles, Einstein stated that he aimed to fill a conceptual gap in Boltzmann’s theory related to the connection between heat phenomena and Newtonian mechanics through the laws of probability, prominent scientists of the time, like Paul and Tatiana Ehrenfest never recognized the very existence of this gap [12]. Taking into account the multifaceted aspects of the concept of irreversibility [7], much of the foundations of thermodynamics regarding systems in and out of equilibrium, quasi-static processes, irreversibility, and even time-reversal non-variance are still open for debate [5,7,17] At this point, we would like to list a few key aspects, or concepts, regarding traditional thermodynamics and statistical mechanics that are reflected on the section dealing with astrophysical thermodynamics: A1; the container of volume V. This concept preponderates in the current prevailing paradigm and is further discussed
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