A Tale of Two Sciences: Contrasting Views on Thermodynamics

Explore a thought-provoking lecture on the dual nature of thermodynamics presented by Wayne Myrvold from The University of Western Ontario. Delve into the distinction between two different approaches to thermodynamics: the "Maxwellian view" and the "Planckian view". Examine how the Maxwellian perspective treats thermodynamics as a resource theory focused on agents with limited manipulation and information access, while the Planckian approach views it as a theory of macroscopic matter's bulk properties. Investigate the implications of these contrasting viewpoints on the relationship between thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Consider how the Maxwellian view naturally incorporates concepts like information, while the Planckian view struggles with reduction to underlying physics. Apply these insights to understand Landauer's principle in a new light. Gain a deeper understanding of the philosophical and practical differences in approaching thermodynamics through this comprehensive 1 hour and 54 minute seminar, part of the Foundations of Physics @Harvard series.

Wayne Myrvold - “A Tale of Two Sciences, Both Called ‘Thermodynamics’ ”