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- Title
The Limits to Entropy: Continuing Misuse of Thermodynamics in Environmental and Marxist Theory.
- Authors
Schartzman, David
- Abstract
The continuing use of Georgescu-Roegen's theory of entropy by neo-Malthusians as foundational support for their views comes as no surprise. Lately, those warning of a Hubbert Peak apocalypse have commonly drawn from the same conceptual well. But unfortunately even Marxist scholars still do the same. Paul Burkett's recent paper supporting Georgescu-Roegen's fourth law of thermodynamics attempts to seek convergence of Marxist theory with ecological economics. However, this attempt is undermined by the very shaky foundations of Georgescu-Roegen's theory. In particular, Georgescu-Roegen's proposed fourth law conflates isolated and closed systems, is in contradiction with thermodynamic theory, and leads to false conclusions regarding recycling and the prospects of a solarized economy. Red-green theory and practice should be firmly based on robust thermodynamic theory. With this guide and subject to the contingencies of political struggle, an ecosocialist transition in this century is within reach.
- Subjects
THERMODYNAMICS; MARXIAN historiography; COMMUNISM; SOCIALISM; ECONOMICS; SOCIAL conflict; POLITICAL participation; SOCIAL history; SOCIAL movements; ENTROPY
- Publication
Science & Society, 2008, Vol 72, Issue 1, p43
- ISSN
0036-8237
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1521/siso.2007.72.1.43