Thermodynamic uncertainty relations again: a reply to Lavenda

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In a previous paper we have presented a review of various approaches in the literature towards the derivation of so-called thermodynamic uncertainty relations in statistical thermodynamics. This review has been critical. We have argued that some of these approaches are sound, i.e. they reach a valid conclusion, albeit under restricted conditions, whereas others were found to be incoherent and could not withstand the scrutiny of logical analysis. In the latter category we have included work of Lavenda on this topic. However, in a comment (Found. Phys. Lett. 13, 487 (2000)), Lavenda claims to have uncovered ``fundamental errors'' in our paper. In this reply we show that these claims are mistaken.

Keywords: thermodynamics, uncertainty relations, second law.