Thermodynamics without Time

Philosophical Issues in Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, and Information Theory
Informal Seminars
April 14-27, 2026

Monday, 27 April 2026
h. 16.30
Thermodynamics without Time
Francesca Vidotto

Our fundamental theories, i.e., the quantum theory and general relativity, are invariant under time reversal. Only when we treat system from the point of view of thermodynamics, i.e., averaging between many subsystem components, an arrow of time emerges. The relation between thermodynamic and the quantum theory has been fertile, deeply explored and still a source of new investigations. The relation between the quantum theory and gravity, while it has not yet brought an established theory of quantum gravity, has certainly sparkled in depth analysis and tentative new theories. On the other hand, the connection between gravity and thermodynamics is less investigated and more puzzling. I review a selection of results in covariant thermodynamics, such as the construction of a covariant notion of thermal equilibrium by considering tripartite systems. I discuss how such construction requires a relational take on thermodynamics, similarly of what happens in the quantum theory and in gravity.

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Organisation
Ratio Association
Institute of Philosophy (FTL)

Place
Room Multiuso
Teologia
Campus Ovest
Via Buffi 13
Lugano, Switzerland

Informations and registration
[email protected]