Given our discussion of the second law of thermodynamics from both the macroscop

Question

Given our discussion of the second law of thermodynamics from both the macroscopic and microscopic points of view, discuss the following quote:

The law that entropy always increases, the Second Law of Thermodynamics, holds . . . the supreme position among the laws of Nature. If someone points out to you that your pet theory of the universe is in disagreement with Maxwell’s equations, then so much the worse for Maxwell’s equations.... But if your theory is found to be against the second law of thermodynamics, I can give you no hope; there is nothing for it but to collapse in deepest humiliation. [Arthur Stanley Eddington, The Nature of the Physical World, Cambridge University Press (1932).]

Explanation / Answer

The physics we have known uptill now is based on two worlds: Macroscopic and Microscopic, the microscopic is quantum mechanical one and the macroscopic is classical one which originates from the quantum mechanical itself. In these two worlds, there are set of phenomenon and natural concepts where theories developed are accurate and validated by observations and experiments, and also where new advance theories have to be proposed e.g Classical mechanics surpassed by modern physics.

There are some underlying theories and some are developed over time through observations and experiment depending on systems of study. the Maxwell's equations were developed while studying the system and chnages were made to it e.g addition of displacement current term was added due to different observational behaviour of the system. So it might possible Maxwell equations/theory could have upgraded version.

While second law of thermodynamics is most fundamental one. It is applicable to every system and no additional changes has been made while studying different systems. It holds true for everytime. So the quote could be right in a way but its also not the ultimate truth. It just holds for now.

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