Physics:The Theory of Entropicity(ToE) and Competing Theories in Physics

Theory of Entropicity(ToE) and Competing Theories

The Theory of Entropicity(ToE), first formulated and developed by John Onimisi Obidi is a proposed framework in theoretical physics that elevates Entropy from a statistical descriptor of disorder to a universal, local, dynamical scalar field. In this formulation, entropy is not merely a bookkeeping device for thermodynamic states or information-theoretic measures, but rather a fundamental field whose kinetics underlie all observations, measurements, and interactions.

So far, no mainstream theory has advanced this precise claim in full generality. While several traditions in physics and information theory elevate entropy or information to a foundational role, they typically do not postulate entropy as a standalone scalar field with its own field equations.

This paper, therefore, surveys the nearest families of theories that intersect with the ToE, highlighting both their convergences and divergences.

Thermodynamic Origin of Gravity (Jacobson, 1995)

In 1995, Ted Jacobson derived Einstein’s field equations from the Clausius relation applied to local Rindler horizons. In this view, gravity emerges as an equation of state, with spacetime thermodynamics providing the underlying structure.

Similarity to ToE: Entropy is central, appearing in the thermodynamic derivation of spacetime dynamics.

Difference: Jacobson’s approach does not introduce a propagating entropy field; entropy remains a state function tied to horizons, not a universal scalar field permeating all interactions.

Emergent Gravity and Horizon Thermodynamics (Padmanabhan)

T. Padmanabhan has developed a program where spacetime dynamics are tied to horizon entropy and the concept of “atoms of spacetime.” Equipartition principles are used to derive gravitational field equations.

Similarity: Entropy is treated as a fundamental organizing principle of spacetime.

Difference: Entropy is not formulated as a dynamical scalar field; rather, it is a property of horizons and microscopic degrees of freedom.

Entropic Gravity (Verlinde)

Erik Verlinde’s Entropic gravity (2010, 2016) proposes that gravity is an emergent entropic force arising from changes in information associated with the positions of material bodies. Verlinde later extended this to explain galactic rotation curves without invoking dark matter, attributing the effect to de Sitter entropy and entanglement.

Similarity: Comes closest to a field-like influence of entropy, with entropy gradients producing effective forces.

Difference: Entropy is framed as an emergent potential, not as a universal scalar field with intrinsic dynamics.

Spacetime from Entanglement (Van Raamsdonk et al.)

Mark Van Raamsdonk and others have argued that spacetime geometry itself emerges from the entanglement structure of quantum states. This perspective is deeply tied to the AdS/CFT correspondence and the Ryu–Takayanagi formula for entanglement entropy.

Similarity: Entropy and information are treated as structural foundations of geometry.

Difference: The focus is on information-theoretic structure, not a dynamical entropy field.

Thermal Time Hypothesis (Connes & Rovelli)

The Thermal time hypothesis (1994) by Alain Connes and Carlo Rovelli proposes that the flow of time is determined by the thermodynamic state of a system, specifically through modular flow in operator algebras.

Similarity: Time itself is linked to thermodynamic/entropic considerations.

Difference: No field dynamics are introduced; entropy defines temporal flow, not a universal scalar field sourcing interactions.

Entropic Dynamics (Caticha)

Ariel Caticha’s Entropic dynamics derives quantum theory from principles of entropic inference. In this framework, entropy governs the updating of probability distributions, leading to the Schrödinger equation as an emergent law.

Similarity: Entropy is the driver of dynamics.

Difference: The dynamics are epistemic (probability updates), not ontological (a physical scalar field).

Generalized Entropies and Nonequilibrium Order (Tsallis; England)

Constantino Tsallis introduced non-extensive entropy (Tsallis entropy), extending thermodynamics to complex systems.

Jeremy England proposed that dissipative adaptation in far-from-equilibrium systems can be understood through entropy production.

Similarity: Entropy is treated as foundational in complex systems and adaptation.

Difference: These approaches remain within statistical mechanics and biology, not fundamental field theory.

Comparative Summary Table

Theory / Program	Role of Entropy	Field-like?	Domain of Application
Jacobson (1995)	Derives Einstein equations from Clausius relation	No	Gravity as thermodynamics
Padmanabhan	Horizon entropy, atoms of spacetime	No	Emergent spacetime
Verlinde	Entropic force, MOND-like effects	Partially	Gravity, dark matter alternatives
Van Raamsdonk	Geometry from entanglement entropy	No	Quantum gravity, AdS/CFT
Connes & Rovelli	Time from thermodynamic state	No	Foundations of time
Caticha	Entropic inference → quantum theory	No	Quantum foundations
Tsallis; England	Generalized entropy, adaptation	No	Complex systems, biology
Theory of Entropicity (ToE)	Entropy as universal dynamical scalar field	Yes	All interactions, measurements, observations, unification

Conclusion

Across physics, information theory, and complex systems science, entropy and information have been repeatedly elevated to foundational roles. However, these programs typically:

focus on a specific domain (gravity, time, quantum theory, or complex systems);

treat entropy as a state function, inference tool, or emergent property, not as a universal dynamical scalar field.

The Theory of Entropicity (ToE) distinguishes itself by proposing that entropy is a real, physical field with its own kinetics, capable of unifying all interactions and measurements. In this sense, ToE both converses with and diverges from existing traditions, positioning itself as a candidate unifying framework that extends beyond the scope of current entropic or informational approaches.

See also

Entropic gravity

Emergent spacetime

Thermal time hypothesis

Quantum entanglement and spacetime

Non-extensive entropy