[N]early every creationist debater will mention the second…
![“[N]early every creationist debater will mention the second law of thermodynamics and argue that complex systems like the earth and life cannot evolve, because the second law seems to say that everything in nature is running down and losing energy, not getting more complex. But that's NOT what the…” quote by Donald R. Prothero](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/e7a/donald-r-prothero-47249_complex-systems_n-early-every-creationist-debater-will-m_881012.jpg)
““[N]early every creationist debater will mention the second law of thermodynamics and argue that complex systems like the earth and life cannot evolve, because the second law seems to say that everything in nature is running down and losing energy, not getting more complex. But that's NOT what the second law says; every creationist has heard this but refuses to acknowledge it. The second law only applies to closed systems , like a sealed jar of heated gases that gradually cools down and loses energy. But the earth is not a closed system -- it constantly gets new energy from the sun, and this (through photosynthesis) is what powers life and makes it possible for life to become more complex and evolve. It seems odd that the creationists continue to misuse the second law of thermodynamics when they have been corrected over and over again, but the reason is simple: it sounds impressive to their audience with limited science education, and if a snow job works, you stay with it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The second law of thermodynamics applies only to closed systems; Earth receives solar energy, allowing complexity to increase.
In simple terms: Second law isn’t about life getting simpler; sun fuels complexity.
Key Takeaway
Remember energy flow when debating evolution.
Themes
science
energy
evolution
Mood
educational
analytical
Type
explanatory
argumentative
When to use this quote
- classroom teaching
- public debates
- science communication
- environmental policy
Key Concepts
thermodynamics
closed vs open systems
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we better explain open system dynamics?
- What evidence convinces skeptics?
A Different Perspective
Critics may still misuse concepts despite corrections.