Theories of disorder and order, energy and information, in sociological thought

TL;DR

This paper explores the historical and theoretical connections between thermodynamics and sociology, focusing on energy and information theories.

Contribution

The paper highlights novel intersections between thermodynamic concepts and sociological thought, suggesting new theoretical pathways.

Findings

Thermodynamic and sociological theories have historically intersected and diverged multiple times.

Theoretical links between energy and information concepts are explored for sociological relevance.

Engaging with thermodynamics can still enrich sociological theorizing today.

Abstract

There has always been a close relation between thermodynamic theory and sociological theory, although they repeatedly part company and later rejoin. I discuss some of the most important ways in which the two have been in contact, focusing on the potential passage from theories of energy to theories of information and vice versa. I close by discussing how a closer engagement with classic thermodynamics may continue to be fruitful for sociological theorizing.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Thermodynamics 2.0: Bridging the natural and social sciences (Part 2)’.