1.14.6: Axioms
An axiom is a statement of principle which is generally accepted to be true. Axioms cannot be conveniently demonstrated otherwise there would be no need to use axioms. The Laws of Thermodynamics are axioms [1]. However we can test and confirm by experiment many of the consequences following from the Laws of Thermodynamics. We can debate (if we so wish) if these laws were actually discovered in the sense that the laws were always there. Alternatively we might argue that these laws were formulated by brilliant scientists because prior to their formulation these laws did not exist.
Footnote
[1] M. L. McGlashan, J.Chem.Educ.,1966, 43 ,226.