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Does the Constructal Law Give Evidence of Design?

Jonathan Bartlett
July 17, 2012
Biophysics, Books of interest, Engineering, Intelligent Design, Philosophy, Physics, Video
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In Bejan’s “Design in Nature”, Bejan promotes what he calls the “constructal law,” which states, “For a finite-size system to persist in time (to live), it must evolve in such a way that it provides easier access to the imposed currents that flow through it.” Bejan has denied that this relates at all to any ultimate form of design, but is this claim correct? In our next Engineering and Metaphysics video, Halsmer and Odom look into the constructal law and whether it indicates design, as well as other, new aspects the constructal law might be applicable to.

If you are unable to see the video properly, the YouTube link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eda6Mls1RBk

Comments
There was an article in Mechanical Engineering basically advertising for Bejan’s book. It disturbed me so much I decided to start blogging about it in my spare time (which I don’t have hardly any of). Just in case someone might find it worthwhile, here it is, part I, Part II and Part III. M. Holcumbrink
"... no Divine Architect churning out brilliant blueprints." - Adrian Bejan No, you, moron. Just, just the super-brilliant mastermind, 'random chance'. Axel
Nice catch, johnnyb! It took six months since the book's publication, but better late than never. “Of course, there is not conscious intelligence behind these patterns, no Divine Architect churning out brilliant blueprints. To preempt any confusion, let me make this perfectly clear: The constructal law is not headed toward a creationist argument, and in no way does it support the claims of those who promulgate the fantasy of intelligent design. Anyone who takes excerpts from this book to suggest that I am arguing for a spiritual sense of ‘designedness’ is engaging in an intentional act of dishonesty.” - Adrian Bejan Gregory

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