My interpretation of his book and especially chapter five is that a mystical experience received by an “integrated self” [Clayton’s “person as a whole”] can be authoritative in a person’s life.   more »

How does entropy help us understand what life is?

 

 

Part I of II

 

Entropy explains the means by which the universe operates.

 

The universe operates upon the idea of heat exchange.

 

As heat exchange takes place, change takes place.

 

Change is the key characteristic we use to establish if something is alive.

 

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The word alive is a complex term.

 

If change is part of the definition for being alive, then the universe is alive because it is undergoing constant change.

 

Many environmentalists would say our planet is alive and our universe is alive just as we are alive.

 

If this is true, then what makes us different from earth, plants, animals, the universe itself?

 

Atheists would say there is no basic difference.

 

Because we are basically the same, we should show the same respect to the earth, universe, and each other as we do ourselves.

 

Classical/traditional religions would say we humans are different because there is an extra element within us that is not found within the earth, soil, plants, and universe.

 

Religions say we have a soul.

 

To be continued: Part II of II: They go on to say...