The universe is a system

The universe is an incredibly intricate and delicately balanced system that exhibits remarkable properties and an astonishingly perfect design. Upon further exploration, it becomes clear that the universe is composed of a vast network of interacting components, each of which plays its own unique role in the greater whole. From the complex relationship between matter and energy that drives the formation of stars, galaxies, and planets to the intricate laws of physics that govern the behaviour of subatomic particles, the universe is an intricate web of interacting forces that together form a perfectly designed system. The fact that the universe is so finely tuned and so organised is evidence of its underlying order and design, making it the most awe-inspiring phenomenon. 

In the modern era, science has been used to study and analyse the universe, and many theories exist regarding its origin. Regardless of the adopted theory, it is widely accepted that the universe had a beginning. This is further supported by the concept of thermodynamics, which states that all energy in the universe is constantly being used and never created. But thermodynamics is a subject I wish to explore in a separate article. In this short piece I wish to concentrate on the concept of the universe as a system and the governing of it by fixed laws. 

Laws govern the universe

The laws of nature are the manifestation of the consistent and constant observation of human beings over time. They are the cornerstone of our understanding of the world around us. They govern the behaviour of all of the objects in our universe, and they explain how and why things work the way they do. From the smallest particles to the largest galaxies, the laws of nature regulate the phenomena and existence all around us. They also provide us with the foundation of science, and they can be used to help us understand the universe and all of its complexities. We have relied upon these laws for many a century, and they have allowed us to make incredible advances in our own knowledge and understanding of the world.

What are ‘laws of nature’? 

Laws in essence are the manifestation of the consistent and constant observation of human beings; ie., what we recognise and identify as law is in reality a collection of our own experiences, such that no violation of it, so far as we know, has ever taken place. 

Let me give you an example. The falling of a ball to the ground when dropped from midair may be understood to be governed by the law of gravity; but so far as minds are concerned, this is determined by the knowledge and experience of the law of gravity. That is, we believe in gravity because we do not know and have neither seen otherwise. And that applies across the board. 

Any phenomenon we label as law, we do so because we have seen it happening in this manner consistently and unfailingly. We have never seen nor do we know of any violation of that known principle. For example, in attempting to define the world, for a person who has lived in a box all his life, the world is a box. It could be the greatest of minds but whoever has a life experience of seeing nothing aside from a box would invariably come to that conclusion and make that declaration. Because it is not ingenuity, rather knowledge and experience with which we define and determine things. 

If such is the case, then we would need to see the laws that prevail in the universe from this perspective too. That is, laws of the universe, on the basis of our experience, are working in an accurately predictable and unfailing manner. This is what justifies their labelling as ‘laws’.  

The existence of laws necessitate a lawmaker

Once the fact that ‘the universe is regulated by laws’ is accepted, it automatically follows that there is, by necessity, a lawmaker. This is because laws necessarily require a lawmaker or legislator to be formulated. Just as we know of no systems without a designer, we know of no laws without a lawmaker. 

Furthermore, it would be entirely logical to state that the legislator of such laws has to be an omnipresent, omniscient and incredibly intelligent force that dictates how the universe behaves. For example, the law of gravity states that objects always fall towards Earth because of the pull of gravity. Similarly, the laws of thermodynamics dictate energy behaviour, for example, how and why heat, which is a form of energy, transfers between different objects. This force also ensures that all laws are followed, and that the universe continues to function as expected. 

To conclude, once we grant that the universe is a well-organised system, and that there are fixed laws that regulate and govern it, we must subsequently concede that there is a great mind at work behind this amazing and powerful system and everything else within. And this belief is perfectly logical and rational, and in total conformity with how we understand science and perceive the world.