Quote from kut2k2:
1) Wrong.
2) This is patently ridiculous.
First I'd like to see these "arguments" that contend the earth is a closed system. Seriously.
3) Are you seriously arguing that solar energy is of the lowest order from which no usable work can be extracted? Then explain to us how solar panels can convert solar energy into electricity. For that matter, explain to us why photosynthesis works, given the "low quality" of solar energy.
1) I am speaking of macro-evolution as defined by Huxley and Darwin, not micro or adaptation.
2) Thank you for catching that. I mis-stated my point. I meant to say that I concede your point that evolution could occur in an open system, however, any laboratory exercise to obtain quantitative data supporting the thesis would be occuring on a closed system.
3) No. Solar energy would be sufficient for much of the theory, however the magnitude of the ordering (keeping in mind the baseline of the starting point, molecules-to-man) would hypothetically require non-random energy such as magnetic, electro-chemical, surface tension, gravitational, etc.. In other words, ordered energy in addition to random energy.
My analogy of the computer laying on the ground, waiting for solar radience (random energy)to start it, would obviously require an ordered energy potential such as the solar panel or a connection to a power source.
I quote Gish ( The Origin of Biological Order and the Second Law):
"...The evolutionary scenario begins with a primitive earth surrounded by a primordial atmosphere of simple gases bombarded by the deadly destructive ultraviolet light of the sun and electrical discharges. Somewhere in all of this, according to evolutionists, exists a remarkable mechanism. This mechanism is so all-powerful, all-pervasive, so precisely effective and specifically directed that it is sufficient to conquer the all-pervasive unceasing tendency of matter to become disordered.
This mechanism would have to be so powerful, so all-pervasive that it would be obvious to all scientists, regardless of their philosophical persuasion. After a careful search of much of the literature on this subject, however, I have failed utterly to find it. Certainly a thorough search of the publications of Prigogine, Blum, Morowitz and others fails to uncover it. Suggestions have been many - crystallization,
open systems with flow-through of energy, differential rates of movement toward disorder, irreversible thermodynamics with sudden movements far from equilibrium, epicycles with autocatalytic molecules. All fail close scrutiny............"
