Are we all using the term 'Entropy' the same? I thought the two definitions
of entropy were;
The tendency of systems to progress to lesser degrees of order.
and
The gradual loss of energy available to do work in a closed energy system.
Is this what everyone else is thinking? If not, what?
sb
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask]
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Paul Kirby
Sent: Friday, March 03, 2000 7:45 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Enviroethics
Dear All
If a morality is to be built on low entropy then diamond for example would
represent some kind of high point of ethical being since it has no
associated energy flows and its ordered structure is a robust defence
against decay. Is it therefore sacred? Adam excludes inanimate object so he
could say that this argument has no bearing on his speculation, but if low
entropy production is an ideal, then the ultimate expression of this is to
be inert. I am puzzled.
If we only include living beings then the entropy discussion seems to
entail no more than appreciating the efficiency with which organisms use
energy and material resources. This can be very beautiful, humbling etc.
but is it sacred? A definition of sacred in this context would be useful.
Does it require a god? Do individuals have a choice of what is sacred or
is it absolute? Is sacredness itself (and examples of what is held to be
sacred) a product of culture and emotional disposition? If so our
definitions of what is sacred are entirely anthropocentric and probably
egocentric. They speak only of ourselves and not the wider reality. If,
alternatively, sacredness is held to be absolute and "out there" then the
quest seems to be to reveal (or design) the one true faith and then to
convert us all. Good luck (but I hope conversion is painless).
Is it ethical to assert that an argument has a spiritual root (sacredness)
solely in order to persuade the religiously inclined to accept your point
of view? This seems like propaganda and manipulation.
If the sacredness of entropy is a religious belief then how do we discuss
it here?
Yours in fear of having lost the plot
Paul Kirby
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