Ilya Prigogine

Ilya Prigogine was a physicist known for his work in non-equilibrium thermodynamics, a field that studies systems not in a stable state. Unlike traditional thermodynamics, which focuses on systems at equilibrium, Prigogine explored how complex, dynamic systems evolve over time. He introduced the concept of "dissipative structures," which are organized patterns that emerge in systems that exchange energy and matter with their surroundings, such as hurricanes or living organisms. His work highlighted how complexity and order can arise naturally from chaos, providing deep insights into both physical and biological processes. Prigogine received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1977.