پژوهشنامه فلسفه دین (Apr 2019)

The Heat Death and It’s Theological Implications

  • Javad Navaei,
  • Sayyed Mohammad Kazem Alavi,
  • Mohammad Reza Ershadinia

DOI
https://doi.org/10.30497/prr.2019.2585
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 17, no. 1
pp. 233 – 253

Abstract

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According to the second law of thermodynamics, irreversible processes in an isolated system move towards the goal of reaching maximum entropy. In this state, mechanical work is converted to thermal energy and thermodynamic equilibrium occurs; which is determined by the equilibrium in temperature, pressure, etc. Assuming that the universe is an isolated system, the second law of thermodynamics states that the fate of the universe is a state of thermodynamic equilibrium in which all mechanical energies are converted to thermal energy and the heat is dispersed all throughout the universe. In this state, there will be no movement and the universe will expire; an event called the “heat death”. This theory has certain theological implications that can serve as a proof for the perishability of the material world. And since decay implies creation, the heat death theory can be considered an argument in favor of the temporal originatedness of the material world.

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