Approach of mesoscopic state variables to time independent equilibrium sates (zero law of thermodynamics) gives birth to the classical equilibrium thermodynamics. Approach of fluxes and forces to fixed points (equilibrium fluxes and forces) that drive reduced mesoscopic dynamics gives birth to the rate thermodynamics that is applicable to driven systems. We formulate the rate thermodynamics and dynamics, investigate its relation to the classical thermodynamics, to extensions involving more details, to the hierarchy reformulations of dynamical theories, and to the Onsager variational principle. We also compare thermodynamic and dynamic critical behavior observed in closed and open systems. Dynamics and thermodynamics of the van der Waals gas provides an illustration.

35 pages