ABSTRACT

An examination of biology through the lens of thermodynamics affirms Aristotelian and Thomistic emphases on the centrality of volitional action in the good life. Life is characterized by far-from-equilibrium homeostasis that requires and enables work. Entropy leads to genetic disorders, senescence, cancers, and emerging pathogens, yet also drives the generation of novelty and freedom, and opens opportunities for the directed exercise of free will towards the good. A model of evolution as a teleologic process moving in the direction of increasing biospheric information recalls the Logos of the Gospel According to John as first cause and final end.

中文翻译：

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生命逆流

摘要

从热力学的角度对生物学的考察肯定了亚里士多德和托马斯主义强调意志行为在美好生活中的中心地位。生活的特点是远离平衡的稳态，需要并能够工作。熵会导致遗传疾病、衰老、癌症和新出现的病原体，但也推动了新奇和自由的产生，并为有向善的自由意志提供了机会。进化模型是朝着增加生物圈信息的方向发展的目的论过程，让人想起约翰福音中的逻各斯作为首要原因和最终目的。