Equilibrium, entropy and homeostasis: A multidisciplinary legacy

While the concepts of equilibrium and homeostasis are familiar to sociologists, the companion concept of entropy has only recently received more than a passing glance. This paper reviews the usage of these three concepts in physics, biology, economics and sociology. Each discipline is evaluated according to four dimensions which have received particular attention in equilibrium analysis. These are the use of heuristics, open and closed systems, stable, static and moving equilibrium, and return to equilibrium. The paper concludes that the concept of equilibrium should be used very carefully if at all. Often equilibrium can be replaced by a term such as stability or balance. Homeostasis can be viable concept, as can entropy, which among other things has potential for aiding in the integration of theory and method.