Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
However, it must be stated from the outset that even if and should the Second
Law (through the application of exergy) enlighten and subsequently stimulate ideas,
the authors do not exclude the richness and complexity of other complementary
visions of reality in the pursuit of “truth”. For the sake of simplicity, an exergy
assessment is like saying that the timber utilised in an oriental temple has the sole
value of firewood. One could therefore justifiably argue that exergy is just the first
objective step and that what really matters is the one beyond that. In other words,
it is the embodied exergy or “exergy cost” that really matters. Yet, if this concept
becomes the new source of value, it would mean that a Picasso painting equates
to the effort it took him to paint it. This is obviously not a true measure of its
beauty. Its physical replacement, should it be destroyed, could not be undertaken
by someone else using the same amount of effort that Picasso originally expended,
without an intrinsic loss of value and meaning. If the painting were truly to be
replaced, this would require not only exergy but also knowledge, expertise and
time. And, however complex a masterpiece, one should not forget that in daily
activities such as eating, Man destroys DNA monuments which no scientist could
ever hope to replace.
Thus, the physical replacement cost has other components besides exergy.
Therefore a more fundamental theory that binds these concepts and is at the same
time capable of analysing their equivalences, analogies and differences becomes im-
perative. This theory should include the energy, time, knowledge and materials
needed to restore that which was destroyed and could be used to improve the man-
agement of natural resources. The Second Law, with its concept of irreversibility
provides the basis of cost and will be key in determining the way.
Irreversibility states that the replacement process of any resource will cost more
or improbably, the same quantity of energy that was released upon its destruction.
Irrevocability is something deeper. In the event of death, no one and nothing will be
able to replace the living being that has just died. Its demise or destruction being
something that occurs only once. The Second Law says nothing about irrevocability.
Perhaps, it should come with the following warning and advice “do not destroy
anything that cannot be replaced” and “be respectful and destroy as less as possible”.
The philosophical origin of respect is not due neither to usefulness, nor to scarcity
or physical or economic costs but to the irrevocability of destruction. A message
emphasising respect for those complex systems that compose the biosphere, the
planetary resources and their appreciation, based on Man's ability to restore them,
is vital. It should in turn heighten concerns and lead to the caring of Nature and
natural things. A first step would imply a registration of thermodynamic destruction
in terms of the energy, information and time contained in the systems, combined
with the cost and di
culty associated with their replacement.
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