This paper entitled “Systems Causality, Assembly Theory and the Discrete Accumulation of Negentropy” explains why, despite the prevalence of entropy, decay and disorganisation, the universe is essentially creative. It also gives meaning and purpose to human existence from a scientific perspective, and so, challenges existential nihilism. It is deliberately written in plain English, and I have explained and defined any unavoidable technical terms. You can download a pdf free of charge via the following links:
and an abstract is given below.
The paper was written to help the International Society for the Systems Sciences in their search for a General System Theory. So, it draws together many systems related concepts , i.e., basic systems theory, causality, information, entropy, negentropy, emergence, Big History, why multiple scientific disciplines employing different laws are necessary and, and so on.
I see these concepts as applying to us in our day-to-day lives and this work will therefore help me a in developing social systems theory. So, that is what I plan to return to now.
Abstract
The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that entropy, or disorder, increases in closed systems. However, the observable universe has, over time, produced increasingly complex structured entities, from atoms and molecules to living organisms and civilisations. This paper explores the mechanisms behind this phenomenon, known as the accumulation of negentropy. That is, the growth of order despite the natural tendency toward disorder.
It is proposed that the accumulation of negentropy is not a separate force but rather a consequence of causal interactions whose structured complexity has increased over time. These interactions follow the principles of Systems Causality, where cause-and-effect relationships are shaped by the transfer of matter, energy, and information. Assembly Theory provides an explanation for the step-by-step emergence of ever more complex structured entities, including causal relationships, within the constraints of prior structures. It also explains the emergence of new laws and scientific disciplines as complexity increases.
Using this framework, the paper analyses how causality has driven the emergence of increasingly complex structured entities throughout Big History, from quantum fluctuations and chemical selection to biological evolution and human civilisation. It also examines the implications for humanity today.
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