What Does Complexity Prove?

Creationists often argue that the universe is too complex to exist by accident. Such an argument reflects the nature of those that use them. Well, is the universe too complicated to have happen by chance? What is the alternative? What sort of world would exist if the universe was at a level simple enough to have come into existence by "chance"? A universe simple enough for the life it spawns to understand how it works is a paradoxical concept (the simpler the universe, the simpler the life would be); yet creationists expect this paradox out of their universe. They claim that because we are complex, this must prove the existence of an even more complex intelligent creator (and not a more complex universe). But for such an argument to be even remotely valid, it cannot be applied more effectively on the opposing side. If we are a product of this universe, then we should expect this universe to be incredibly more complicated. 

We often assume that humans are the peak of intelligence in this universe, yet we are only aware of the intelligence on this planet. We also think of all life as being life which is visible to us; is there life which exists that is not made from matter? I know that is a big stretch, but this is certainty a strange universe (well strange to us). How much exists in this universe that we are unable to be aware of (probably the majority of it)?


The creationist's argument would be valid (or much closer) if the reverse was the case. If humans were able to comprehend the universe in its totality. If this was the case, then we could conclude that there was some incredibly complicated force outside of our universe responsible for its creation. Perhaps more importantly, the creation of humans would seem much more centric to that creation and maybe calculated. But, this is obviously not the case.

If we have learned anything from science, it is how much "stuff" is out there that we will never be-able to comprehend (like quantum physics). Science has revealed just how complicated this universe is. The more we learn about the universe, the more mind boggling it becomes (how simple was it a few thousand years ago?). If humans were ever able to fully understand the universe, then I would become a believer in some outside force that created us with some level of intent (Christians should embrace science more than any atheist because of this). A force (God) able to understand the workings of its creation would understand how to make its centerpiece rise above its environment in complexity -- this would be the true signature of God (especially if He made humans in his image). It's a shame that such a signature doesn't exist, well a shame for the creationists.

When it comes down to it, we humans have great arrogance about our intelligence. But, it is not like there is a terrible amount of competition, the silver medalist in that department hasn't past beyond basic grooming and using sticks to get insects out of rotten tree trucks. Yes, humans are special, special on this tiny tiny planet and only for a tiny tiny amount of time ("tiny" in the context of the universe and the timescale of its known existence). And the word "tiny" just doesn't even go far enough, it is perhaps more accurate to say that we (and our 'pale blue dot') are all but nonexistent.