par Glansdorff, Paul
Référence Foundations of physics, 17, 7, page (653-666)
Publication Publié, 1987-07
Article révisé par les pairs
Résumé : The conceptual foundations of the modern thermodynamic theory related to a large category of far-from-equilibrium phenomena are outlined, and the historical continuity with early developments based on the impossibility of perpetual motion is discussed. In this perspective the discovery of thermodynamic stability criteria around steady or periodic processes, together with a general evolution criterion that is valid in the non-linear region (and thus implying creation of order and applicability to living systems), appears as a most remarkable development indeed. The leading role played by the Brussels school and particularly by Ilya Prigogine is emphasized. © 1987 Plenum Publishing Corporation.