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A Thermodynamic Theory of Economics

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Author Info
John Bryant () (Vocat International)

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Abstract

An analogy between thermodynamic and economic theories and processes is developed further, following a previous paper published by the author in 1982. Economic equivalents are set out concerning the ideal gas equation, the gas constant, pressure, temperature, entropy, work done, specific heat and the 1st and 2nd Laws of Thermodynamics. The law of diminishing marginal utility was derived from thermodynamic first principles. Conditions are set out concerning the relationship of economic processes to entropic gain. A link between the Le Chatelier principle and economic processes is developed, culminating in a derivation of an equation similar in format to that of Cobb Douglas production function, but with an equilibrium constant and a disequilibrium function added to it. A trade cycle is constructed, utilising thermodynamic processes, and equations are derived for cycle efficiency, growth and entropy gain. A thermodynamic model of a money system is set out, and an attempt is made to relate interest rates, the rate of return, money demand and the velocity of circulation to entropy gain. Aspects concerning the measurement of economic value in thermodynamic terms are discussed.

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File URL: http://www.vocat.co.uk/TEFPRV2007.pdf
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Publisher Info
Paper provided by Economic Consultancy, Vocat International in its series Working Papers with number tefprv2007.

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Length: 31 pages
Date of creation: Apr 2007
Date of revision:
Publication status: Published in International Journal of Exergy, Vol. 4, No. 3, pp.302-337
Handle: RePEc:voc:wpaper:tefprv2007

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Web page: http://www.vocat.co.uk

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Related research
Keywords: Thermodynamics economics Le Chatelier entropy utility money equilibrium value energy

Find related papers by JEL classification:
A1 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics
C02 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - General - - - Mathematical Economics
C68 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods and Programming - - - Computable General Equilibrium Models
D5 - Microeconomics - - General Equilibrium and Disequilibrium
E - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics
O1 - Economic Development, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development

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References listed on IDEAS
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  1. John Bryant, 1982. "A Thermodynamic Approach to Economics," Working Papers te1982, Economic Consultancy, Vocat International. [Downloadable!]
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Cited by:
(explanations, Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.)

  1. John Bryant, 2008. "Monetary Aspects of a Thermodynamic Theory of Economics An application to the UK Economy 1969-2006," Working Papers ten32008, Economic Consultancy, Vocat International. [Downloadable!]
  2. John Bryant, 2008. "Monetary Aspects of a Thermodynamic Theory of Economics An application to the USA Economy 1966-2006," Working Papers ten42008, Economic Consultancy, Vocat International. [Downloadable!]
  3. George, Michael, 2007. "Predicting the Profit Potential of a Microeconomic Process: An Information Theoretic/Thermodynamic Approach," MPRA Paper 4816, University Library of Munich, Germany. [Downloadable!]
    Other versions:
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This page was last updated on 2008-8-19.


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