International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics

H. SABELLI reconsiders thermodynamics from the viewpoint of process theory: "According to process theory:

(1) Everything is action, the asymmetric flow of energy in time. (2) Every action is associated with an opposing process, thus generating symmetry; the maximization of entropy represents this tendency toward the generation of symmetry. (3) Processes create structures (partial symmetries) at critical and intermediate values of temperature and dimensionality. Postulating that asymmetry and symmetry are cosmic forms that order all natural processes and structures, process theory provides a reformulatuon of entropy as symmetry rather than disorder, and of its maximization as a cosmic asymmetry. The tendency of processes to attain a more stable configuration creates symmetry in natural systems. The various forms of partial symmetry attained include not only more uniform and probable distribution of the system components. but also the formation of complex and asymmetric structures. Entropy thus increases everywhere, and faster in a complex system than in its simpler environment (1994, p.1484).

In other words, order and disorder are opposed, but complementary, a concept formulated by SABELLI under the term "enantiodromia".

As to maximization of entropy, considered as reflecting growing symmetry, it is supposed to mean that total statistical disorder (in a gas for instance), should be equated with maximum symmetry, i.e. the inexistence of significant asymmetric features.

In accordance with PRIGOGINE's thermodynamics, it would be advisable to speak of increase of entropy production in complex systems, and not merely of entropy.