  In the global framework of finding an axiomatic derivation of nonequilibrium
Statistical Mechanics from fundamental principles, such as the maximum path
entropy -- also known as Maximum Caliber principle -- , this work proposes an
alternative derivation of the well-known Jarzynski equality, a nonequilibrium
identity of great importance today due to its applications to irreversible
processes: biological systems (protein folding), mechanical systems, among
others. This equality relates the free energy differences between two
equilibrium thermodynamic states with the work performed when going between
those states, through an average over a path ensemble.
  In this work the analysis of Jarzynski's equality will be performed using the
formalism of inference over path space. This derivation highlights the wide
generality of Jarzynski's original result, which could even be used in
non-thermodynamical settings such as social systems, financial and ecological
systems.
