This law of nature has been hidden from science – until now | Robert Hazen

Summary

In this thought-provoking script, Bob Hazen, a Staff Scientist at the Earth and Planets Laboratory, posits the existence of a 'second arrow of time' that counters the disorder of the second law of thermodynamics. He suggests that evolution, not just in biology but across all systems, is an increase in 'functional information,' leading to greater order and complexity. Hazen's hypothesis challenges the traditional view of time and raises questions about the purpose and directionality of natural processes.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The speaker, Bob Hazen, confesses that current scientific understanding may be wrong about a profound truth of the cosmos.
• 🕰 There is a suggestion of a 'second arrow of time' that could exist alongside the known arrow of increasing disorder and entropy, as described by the second law of thermodynamics.
• 🌿 The script discusses the apparent contradiction between the increase in order seen in nature, such as blooming flowers and singing birds, and the concept of decay from the second law of thermodynamics.
• 💡 The idea of a missing law is proposed, which relates to an increase in information and order, potentially explaining the evolution of life and complexity in the universe.
• 🧠 Bob Hazen identifies himself as a Staff Scientist at the Earth and Planets Laboratory, with interests in mineralogy and astrobiology, and he is passionate about the pursuit of scientific truth.
• 🌐 The concept of evolution is expanded beyond biological organisms to include the evolution of atoms, minerals, planets, and ecosystems, all of which show an increase in diversity and complexity over time.
• 📊 The script introduces the term 'functional information' as a key concept, which is the measure of the stability and persistence of systems, such as mineral structures, in an evolving universe.
• 🔑 The 'Law of increasing functional information' is posited as the missing law, suggesting that evolution is essentially an increase in the amount of functional information within systems.
• 🛠 The script uses the analogy of a coffee cup to illustrate the idea that the value or 'functional information' of an object is context-dependent and related to its purpose or function.
• 🤔 The notion of a second arrow of time challenges traditional scientific perspectives by introducing the concept of purpose or function in natural processes, which is not absolute but contextual.
• 🌟 The overall message is one of humility and openness in science, acknowledging the possibility of being wrong and the excitement of potentially discovering a new fundamental law of nature.

Q & A

What is the main idea presented by Bob Hazen in the script?

Bob Hazen suggests that there may be a missing law of nature, a second arrow of time, which is related to an increase in order and information, parallel to the existing arrow of time represented by the second law of thermodynamics.

Why does the second law of thermodynamics not fully explain the evolution of life?

The second law of thermodynamics, which deals with the increase in entropy or disorder, does not account for the emergence of life from non-life or the increase in order observed in nature, such as the blooming of flowers and the growth of trees.

What is the proposed missing law that Bob Hazen discusses?

The proposed missing law is the 'Law of increasing functional information,' which suggests an increase in order and patterning in the universe, alongside the increase in disorder and chaos.

How does the concept of evolution extend beyond Darwin's theory of natural selection?

The concept of evolution is expanded to include not only biological evolution but also the evolution of atoms, minerals, planets, atmospheres, and oceans, all of which show an increase in diversity and complexity over time.

What is the definition of 'functional information' as discussed by Bob Hazen?

'Functional information' refers to the measure of the tiny fraction of stable configurations in an evolving system, such as atoms forming stable minerals, which requires a significant amount of bits of information to represent.

How does the concept of functional information relate to the evolutionary process?

Evolution is seen as an increase in functional information, as the selection for better outcomes, such as more stable minerals or organisms with advanced capabilities, necessitates more information.

What is the significance of the 'Law of increasing functional information' in understanding the cosmos?

The 'Law of increasing functional information' provides a parallel arrow of time that suggests the universe is not only characterized by increasing disorder but also by an increase in order and complexity through the selection for function.

How does the idea of functional information challenge traditional scientific perspectives?

The idea challenges traditional perspectives by introducing a contextual element to the natural world, suggesting that there is something in the universe that is not absolute but depends on the purpose or function of the system.

What implications does the second arrow of time have for our understanding of the universe's purpose?

The second arrow of time implies that there may be an inherent 'purpose' or 'function' in the universe, as it is not only increasing in disorder but also in order and complexity through a process of selection.

How does the script relate the concept of functional information to everyday objects like a coffee cup?

The script uses the coffee cup as an example to illustrate that the value or functionality of an object is contextual, and that only a tiny fraction of all possible configurations of atoms can form a coffee cup that serves its intended function.

What is the broader implication of the proposed second arrow of time for the study of science?

The broader implication is that science may need to consider a dual perspective of time that includes both the increase in disorder and the increase in order and information, potentially leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the universe.