Entropy 2004, 6[1], 11-20
Entropy
ISSN 1099-4300
http://www.mdpi.org/entropy/
A Collision Between Dynamics and Thermodynamics

Craig Callender

Department of Philosophy, UCSD, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
E-mail: [email protected]

Received: 18 June 2003 / Accepted: 15 December 2003 / Published: 30 March 2004

Abstract: Philosophers of science have found the literature surrounding Maxwell's demon deeply problematic. This paper explains why, summarizing various philosophical complaints and adding to them. The first part of the paper critically evaluates attempts to exorcise Maxwell's demon; the second part raises foundational questions about some of the putative demons that are being summoned.

Keywords: Maxwell; demon; Szilard; second law; philosophy.

Full text in PDF form, 148 K
© 2004 by MDPI (http://www.mdpi.org). Reproduction for noncommercial purposes permitted.