Shannon Mussett's New Book: Entropic Philosophy

Professor of Philosophy Shannon Mussett has a new book out with Rowman & Littlefield: Entropic Philosophy: Chaos, Breakdown, and Creation  (2022). See below for more information from the publisher.

Now is a time of tremendous anxiety about the present and future state of the world. As the second law of thermodynamics states, entropy never decreases, time marches relentlessly forward, and closed systems inevitably break down. Entropy serves as a powerful metaphor capturing expressions of growing malaise and decline.

Entropic Philosophy: Chaos, Breakdown, and Creation builds on the meaning of entropy from the Greek entropia, signifying “a turning toward” or “transformation.” Developing a philosophy of entropy, this book draws variously from anthropology, psychoanalysis, literature, art, and the history of philosophy. This approach opens pathways for reverence and care that are crucial in preventing fear, existential inertia, and despair.

"This beautiful book might be called Tristes Entropiques. Shannon Mussett explains how the conception of the law of entropy has disturbed our understanding of human endeavor. Instead of concluding that all is vanity, she finds bases for grace in Homer, Nietzsche, and Smithson."
Andrew Cutrofello, Loyola University, Chicago

To order the book, please visit the Rowman & Littlefield site. And of course, congratulations,  Dr. Mussett!