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How can life be compatible with the second law of thermodynamics?
Here is how. Life is a self-organized system. A self-organized system is a system in which organization arises SPONTANEOUSLY, which means that the probability of the appearance of organization is large. But this means that self-organization is also a transition to a more probable state, i.e., to a state of higher entropy.
The confusion arises when entropy, i.e. highly probable state, i.e. disorder - is identified with the lack of organization. Disorder and the lack of organization are not the same. One can say that life is an organized disorder.
Source (in Croatian):
http://www.forum.hr/showpost.php?p=31392743&postcount=83
Here is how. Life is a self-organized system. A self-organized system is a system in which organization arises SPONTANEOUSLY, which means that the probability of the appearance of organization is large. But this means that self-organization is also a transition to a more probable state, i.e., to a state of higher entropy.
The confusion arises when entropy, i.e. highly probable state, i.e. disorder - is identified with the lack of organization. Disorder and the lack of organization are not the same. One can say that life is an organized disorder.
Source (in Croatian):
http://www.forum.hr/showpost.php?p=31392743&postcount=83