Complexity and the second law of thermodynamics

In this short clip Peter Atkins professor of chemistry at Lincoln College at the University of Oxford explains the (biological) complexity within our universe in the light of the second law of thermodynamics.

Peter Atkins is a prolific writer of popular chemistry textbooks, including Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry and Molecular Quantum Mechanics, three of the world's most popular chemistry textbooks.

This clip was taken from the Beyond Belief 2.0 conference in 2007. The hole talk can be viewed here:

http://thesciencenetwork.org/BeyondBelief2/watch/atkins.php

for other science talks please visit:

http://thesciencenetwork.org/

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Complexity
• Disorder
• Second
• Law
• Thermodynamics
• Entropy
• Science
• Atkins
• Evolution
• Beyond
• Belief
• God
• Design
• Atheism

[Bereitwilligkeit]

The 1st law of thermodynamics shows that everything that has a beginning has an eventual end. The 2nd law of thermodynamics (times arrow) says that the whole universe is running down into equilibrium, however, molecule-to-man evolutionism requires INCREASED genomic complexity from a single primeval self replicating molecule in order to evolve to sponges or human beings. Conversely, the 2nd law shows that at their BEGINNING living systems have their maximum complexity

(cont)

[infinit888]

@Bereitwilligkeit "The 1st law of thermodynamics shows"

I'm currently sitting in a library with a couple of books around me with the words "Physikalische Chemie" on them. Not one coincidentally agrees with you on the first law. Heck while you're a little closer with the second none of them phrase it like that either. I must conclude that you're simply uneducated on the subject.

[VERGIS92]

@infinit888 the way he put it is correct, the entire entropy (randomness/disorder) of the universe can only increase, a sub-system inside the universe can have its entropy reversed, but the energy required will be paid for by the universe somehow. The law applies to earth also, earth is not a perpetual energy machine, most of our energy comes from the sun, which is being infinitesimally but steadily consumed by the day - we can maintain order on earth while the sun pays

[infinit888]

@VERGIS92 "the way he put it is correct, the entire entropy"

... you've responded to a comment where I was critiquing him on how he defined the first law by bringing up entropy. I'm confused.

"a sub-system inside the universe can have its entropy reversed" - I actually agreed with that statement further down in the thread so I don't know what your deal is. I implied how the sun pays for our complexity.

[infinit888]

@Bereitwilligkeit "Conversely, the 2nd law shows that at their BEGINNING living systems have their maximum complexity"

No it doesn't and never has and as I already explained no they don't.

"molecule-to-man evolutionism requires INCREASED genomic complexity" - And as long as we have gradients that can do work there is absolutely no problem with that.

[ArcanaKnight]

According to the logic of your argument, it should be impossible for a baby to grow into an adult since an adult more complex than a baby.

[RespectMyHate]

@Bereitwilligkeit Amen, yo pray for these lost souls. They willingly believe a lie.

[happinesson]

i am convince with your research. Nice work!

[TerrencePhillip66]

The 2nd law implies that you can't increase available energy in a system. You will always use more energy than you can create energy. It's why you can't have a perpetual motion or over unity device.You can create usable energy by turning water to steam or elevating it to drive a turbine but more energy is used converting the water to a more usable form than you will get back from that turbine.

[odinata]

@Bereitwilligkeit

You are a bumbling buffoon.

[saint7412369]

@Bereitwilligkeit

You are my new hero. I do alot of comment replies on videos like this in an attempt to pass on what knowledge I have to people like this who seem set on spreading there own views and oppinions on science as if it were fact. I'm just saying it's nice to see someone else willing to take a stand and point out the plethora of errors in peoples understanding. Alot of things are explained using dumbed down examples (ie any book by Brian Greene) that dont educate people correctly.

[Bereitwilligkeit]

@infinit888 So, according to you the MASSIVE amounts of new unique genetic complex information magically arises Phoenix like out of the first replicating molecule to spontaneously form millions of different phylum? All because we have progressively degenerating gradients that can do work. WOW! Apparently the term "cross purposes" is not a part of your vocabulary.

[Bereitwilligkeit]

@infinit888 The fact that a man of any weight contains infinitely more energy & genomic complexity then a primordial self replicating molecule is precisely my point, thank you. Where do you suggest the new, unique, organized, genomic complexity comes from? Copying errors?

*

Wake up, open your eyes and smell the coffee you silly evo-delusionist... Creation is a THUNDERING witness for for our creator.