Informational Determinism, entropy production and information a comprehensive review

This paper explores the intriguing intersection between information theory and thermodynamics under the banner of Informational Determinism (ID). It posits that the flow and processing of information are not just incidental but fundamentally drive the evolution of complex systems—ranging from molecular biology to astrophysical structure formation. By reviewing core principles like the Maximum Entropy Production Principle (MEPP) and Landauer’s principle, the paper demonstrates how thermodynamic entropy changes and information processing can go hand-in-hand. Evidence from climate studies, ecological models, and cosmological observations highlights that many nonequilibrium systems—whether it’s an ecosystem evolving to more efficiently dissipate energy or a galaxy cluster radiating away gravitational potential—may inherently “prefer” higher-entropy states. The paper weaves these ideas into a single conceptual framework, suggesting that information-driven processes help us understand why complexity emerges in a universe governed by the Second Law of Thermodynamics. After establishing the theoretical underpinnings, the paper delves into empirical findings, such as modern Maxwell’s demon experiments and astrophysical simulations, showing how information flows can manifest as measurable entropic costs or gains. It highlights how real systems—biological, technological, or cosmic—take advantage of feedback loops and memory (information storage) to increase overall entropy production while locally creating order. Throughout, the authors emphasize testable hypotheses, like exploring whether star-forming regions truly maximize entropy output or whether biological information processing edges closer to the Landauer limit under selective pressure. By bridging topics from black hole thermodynamics to neural computation, the paper offers a panoramic view that not only clarifies fundamental physics but also generates fresh perspectives on the origins of life, the role of intelligence, and the evolutionary trajectory of the cosmos.