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Originally Posted by Tormod
I would suggest for example star formation. From the initial chaotic state of nebulous gas a star is formed through the force of gravity. A star is a very complex object with a high degree of organisation.
The same goes for planets and their orbits.
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This is a good example, Tormod, but it is a little like the example that FishTeacher gave in another thread. FT suggested that crystallization is an example of creating order from randomness. In that case, however, the order in crystalization is exactly defined by the source inputs. Crystalization, whether by precipitation from solution or by cooling is essentially 100% likely in the correct conditions. Ergo, I have a hard time defining that product as a random event.
Star system formation (as I understand it) is a little like that, although not quite so simple. Source inputs (nebulous gas in this case) have a relatively small number of resultants. We can predict the maturation of nebulous gas cloud into new star system, and then into progressively older star types. Since this maturation from nebulous gas to dead star is predictable, I don't see that as an example of randomness, although it is certainly chaotic. (Incidentally, I am NOT a cosmologist, so if I say something really stupid, please say so).
Do you think the maturation of star systems is really random, or is this predictable maturation just an example of a resultant system reflecting a structured sequitur from an earlier organized system?
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Few problems are so complex that they cannot be substantially clarified by one more cup of coffee
(or a nice cabernet if it is after 5:00)
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