Information, Entropy, and Progress : A New Evolutionary Paradigm

Market: Those in economics, especially thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, cybernetics, information theory, resource use, and evolutionary economic behavior. This book presents an innovative and challenging look at evolution on several scales, from the earth and its geology and chemistry to living organisms to social and economic systems. Applying the principles of thermodynamics and the concepts of information gathering and self- organization, the author characterizes the direction of evolution in each case as an accumulation of \"distinguishability\" information--a type of universal knowledge.

7 topicscovered:

1. Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics in Economic Systems
   How physical laws govern resource use, waste, and economic efficiency.

2. The role of information in driving technological and economic progress beyond material inputs.

3. Framing innovation and economic development through an evolutionary lens, analogous to biological systems.

4. Analyzing industrial metabolism — inputs, outputs, and inefficiencies using thermodynamic metrics.

5. The Limits of Growth and Sustainable Development
   Re-examining sustainability through entropy constraints and information-driven solutions.

6. The Role of Knowledge and Innovation in Economic Progress
   How “useful knowledge” reduces entropy in systems and enables productivity gains.

7. Challenging assumptions that ignore physical laws, proposing a biophysical foundation for economic theory.

Note: This book is part of Ayres’ broader work on industrial ecology and biophysical economics. For precise chapter topics, consult the book directly or academic library catalogs.