In a recent discussion, physicist Ted Jacobson highlighted a remarkable property of thermodynamics: it remains accurate even when built on flawed assumptions. According to Jacobson, thermodynamics is a "fault tolerant theory"—it yields correct results despite foundational mistakes in our understanding of underlying physics.
Jacobson pointed to Carnot's engine efficiency as a prime example. The concept of efficiency in heat engines, derived from thermodynamics, is robust and continues to hold true regardless of unresolved questions about the microscopic nature of spacetime or quantum gravity. This resilience suggests that thermodynamic principles are deeply fundamental, perhaps emerging from more basic structures that we have yet to fully grasp.
The insight underscores the power of thermodynamic reasoning: it can guide physicists toward deeper truths even when the microscopic details are uncertain. As Jacobson put it, "Even with foundational mistakes, thermodynamics yields correct answers."