The thermodynamic cost of choosing

TL;DR

This paper explores the thermodynamic cost of decision-making, demonstrating that choosing between two options at temperature T incurs an energy dissipation greater than kT ln 2.

Contribution

It introduces a thermodynamic framework for understanding the energy cost associated with making choices.

Findings

Choosing between binary options dissipates energy > kT ln 2

Thermodynamic cost of choice can be quantified

Decision-making has an inherent energetic expense

Abstract

Choice can be defined in thermodynamical terms and be shown to have a thermodynamic cost: choosing between a binary alternative at temperature T dissipates an energy E > kT ln 2.