Evolution of Social Dissipative Structures Based on Consciousness Entropy and Virtual Entropy

Based on the theory of dissipative structures in social thermodynamics, this paper introduces three core variables—consciousness entropy, real-state baseline entropy and virtual entropy—to construct a quantifiable evolutionary model for social systems. Two distinct steady-state patterns of social dissipative structures are identified: closed social systems featuring low openness and weak checks-and-balances, and open checks-and-balances systems characterized by high openness and multi-agent reciprocal supervision. Neither pattern is universally superior; each is adapted to specific operating conditions. Taking the traditional Ming-Qing dynasties as a typical sample of closed systems, mathematical deduction demonstrates that in peaceful steady-state periods, closed systems lacking routine in-process checks-and-balances tend to generate endogenous features including one-way resource aggregation, acquisitiveness-driven entropy growth and unequal distribution. To offset high social entropy growth caused by distributive inequity, the system must produce large-scale institutional virtual-entropy culture, which stabilizes the system in the short run by biasing collective cognition. When wealth accumulates persistently toward upper strata and grassroots survival entropy exceeds the critical threshold, grassroots disorderly entropy bursts emerge and retroact upward across the whole structure, triggering periodic dynastic collapse. Nevertheless, under high-disturbance crisis conditions such as catastrophic natural hazards and external military threats, closed systems possess short decision-making chains and low coordination time costs, enabling rapid resource mobilization and yielding emergency-response advantages. By contrast, open checks-and-balances systems incur higher decision-making time costs stemming from multi-party bargaining, with concomitant risks of missing optimal response windows. Drawing on the wartime mobilization of the United States during the Second World War, open checks-and-balances systems will temporarily contract decision-making chains and strengthen centralized coordination when confronting existential crises. In routine steady-state contexts, open checks-and-balances systems are equipped with reciprocal supervision, continuous error-correction and self-cleaning mechanisms, which substantially reduce dependence on virtual entropy. Guided by confronting objective reality, embracing real-state entropy and tolerating and correcting errors, such systems exhibit positive steady-state iterative evolution. This paper interprets the underlying thermodynamic mechanism behind the historical cycle of order and disorder in traditional dynasties via a quantitative entropy model, and proposes the virtual-entropy dependence index as a theoretical criterion for evaluating the adaptability of social dissipative structures under diverse operating conditions.