Physics Promotes Wealth Inequality

Discussion in 'Science and Technology' started by Wu Li Heron, Mar 29, 2017.

  1. Wu Li Heron

    Wu Li Heron Members

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    https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170328190652.htm

    I'm not sure if this belongs in science and technology, politics, philosophy, or what.

    Constructal Theory is about as different and philosophical as a physical theory can get often causing physicists to shake their heads in disbelief that a physical theory these days doesn't always involve complex mathematics. It has been controversial from the beginning and taken the physics community by storm as, among other things, a proposed amendment to the second law of thermodynamics that provides a possible explanation for the arrow of time. However, the theory is similar to Loop Quantum Gravity which was intentionally formulated, not because anyone took the theory seriously but, because it could provide unique insights into how to reconcile all the other existing theories and observations. Essentially, it is the observation that for any "flow" to thrive it must adapt or evolve to supply every subsequent flow, with a series of rivers and streams being an example evolving over time to support an ever larger flow of water. Its related to the Chinese mystical concept of Chi, or the undetectable flow within the empty void, but is a purely causal interpretation and its inventor, Adrian Bejan, acknowledges that the theory does not address things like quantum mechanics.

    Anyway, here it is being promoted as a way to challenge the prevailing economic theories with the idea that wealthy inequality is inevitable, but so are attempts to level the playing field more. Rocks rolling down hill are another example of these kinds of ubiquitous flow dynamics with the rocks becoming smaller and rounder over the eons and even pushing those less round out of the flow of their collective path until their flow dynamics become so efficient they can produce an avalanche that changes entire. What the article does not go over is the fact that it is now possible to predict the tipping point of dynamics systems like this, with the boiling point of water being an example. If you know the boiling point of water then you can set the stove to the temperature you need and waste less energy and one implication of this article is that it should be possible to predict when wealth inequality becomes so gross that it inspires wars and revolutions and, conversely, when the wealth is spread so equitably that it stifles growth and progress.

    Its political in other ways as well because it suggests that republican economic policies of laze fare capitalism will always lead to their own downfall and it should be possible to predict exactly when to let the reins off of emerging markets and when to start cracking down. Assuming the theory is correct, if the US does not adapt to such emerging science it will mean that other countries will have a competitive advantage. As is already the case, the American public is increasingly becoming aware that the wealthiest country in the world no longer has the highest average income and is stuck with the worst social problems in the developed world.
     

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