Thermodynamics of action and organization in a system

Abstract

Complexity in nature is astounding yet the explanation lies in the fundamental laws of physics. The Second Law of Thermodynamics and the Principle of Least Action are the two theories of science that have always stood the test of time. In this article, we use these fundamental principles as tools to understand how and why things happen. In order to achieve that, it is of absolute necessity to define things precisely yet preserving their applicability in a broader sense. We try to develop precise, mathematically rigorous definitions of the commonly used terms in this context, such as action, organization, system, process, etc., and in parallel argue the behavior of the system from the first principles. This article, thus, acts as a mathematical framework for more discipline‐specific theories. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 307–317, 2016