Understanding of Thermodynamic Principles

Thermodynamics as an isolated discipline is an abstraction of natural processes and equilibrium states that follow from a few postulates that are un-controverted by physical observation. Without application, thermodynamics can be developed as a mathematical deduction of these few postulates and subsequently used to derive profound statements about probable and improbable natural processes.

Because materials scientists and engineers should be expected to apply thermodynamics to systems and processes for which rote formulations have not been developed, the development of this philosophical approach to thermodynamics is necessary for a solid foundation.