So a group of dialectically attuned friends and I were conversing on the subject of the existence of God, whilst consuming liquid courage. It serves to loosen the dialog.
So our conversation, at one point, degenerated into poetically poignant and grandiose rants on man’s origin. As a disclaimer to philosophical and theological discussions, I always explain beforehand that I am in favor of discovering the possibility of the existence of God, so long as we abide by the known principles governing reality.
We landed on the topic of ‘order’ as plausible evidence for a higher power. The notion of Life- incredibly intricate systems of order that beget order- seems to run contrary to the sum will of the universe- which we agreed was entropy. I conjectured that popular understandings of order may be faulted.
So my friend says:
Nature tends towards that state in which energy is randomized to the greatest extent possible (disorder).
I replied:
Only in isolated (closed) systems. Entropy of a system that is not isolated (open) may decrease, leading to an increase of order. The second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of any system cannot decrease other than by increasing the entropy of some other system. We know the earth is not a closed system because of the energy exchange between the sun. The suns increasing total entropy reduces the total entropy of the earth through the transference of its energy- which is radiation, heat, and light.
Assuming a closed system, the net effect in the solar system (or the universe) is still towards increased entropy. (Is this also why the universe is expanding?–probably a question well beyond my current powers of comprehension.)
Relating back to the discussion about God and order, the question remained: Is the reduction of entropy- leading to increased order and life on earth- really proof of Intelligent design? Or for that matter, the existence of God? Not convinced.
William Dare 