Thermodynamics and the Origins of Order

Abstract

AbstractThe creationist claim that evolution is inconsistent with the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which states that entropy in the universe increases, is discussed and refuted: local reductions in entropy can be offset against increases in entropy elsewhere, so that the net increase in entropy required by the Law is consistent with local decreases in entropy. It is explained how recent developments in nonequilibrium thermodynamics have shown how physical systems can organize themselves into highly ordered states under the influence of natural laws alone.