Elvenoaks Concepts
Higher Learning and evolution
R. Buckminister Fuller suggests that the struggle of life to be curious, to grow and evolve was in opposition to the "force" of entropy in the physical universe.
"The physical is inherently entropic, giving off energy in ever more disorderly ways. The metaphysical is antientropic, methodically marshalling energy. Life is antientropic. It is spontaneously inquisitive. It sorts out and endeavors to understand." (Synergetics*, "Wellspring," Fuller, 1997)
Entropy is an application of the Second Law of Thermodynamics that concludes that any physical system, left on its own, will distribute energy to reduce the overall available energy. Systems "wind down," leading to lower energy states. This can be seen in all physical systems. It can also be seen in humans ones, too, such as highway construction projects.
Buckminister Fuller noticed that organic life, through evolution, appeared to struggle for complexity. Though individual life "winds down," through aging, until death (or couch potatoness), simpler forms evolved into more and more complex structures. In order to maintain and reproduce these complex structures of life, organisms have had to develop more efficient processes so the chances for survival increase. All life, he reasoned, struggles for complexity and efficiency.
Paolo Soleri further defined this in MCD, a practical explanation of this evolutionary "force."
* Off-site references. Opens a new window
Copyright 2005 by dave rogers, All Rights Reserved
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