Causal Modeling and Thermodynamics: Towards a new convergence of the two fields

Abstract

In 1824, Nicolas Léonard Sadi Carnot paid for the publication of his first book. Unfortunately it sparked little interest, and the young engineer never published another. In quick succession, Carnot served in the military, suffered from scarlet fever, mania, and cholera, and passed away in obscurity at age 36. Two centuries have elapsed since Carnot published his only book. Recognition came later. In particular, Carnot's reasoning inspired scientists to formulate the first and second laws of Thermodynamics. The new science that has emerged around these physical laws is nothing short of breathtaking. Yet, with success and growth, critical attention and skepticism have followed. In 1924, Louis de Broglie lauded the first law of Thermodynamics, while remaining more reserved to wards the second. The first law builds on a long history rooted in Causal Modeling, while the second does less so. Today, physicists such as Adrian Bejan continue praising Thermodynamics but contend that some formulations of the second law may have attracted broken science. The present article revisits this history in an attempt to cut through some of the fog. As an outcome of this re-evaluation, the article outlines a new convergence of Thermodynamics and Causal Modeling.