Complexity and order are often confused as the same thing, but they are antonyms.
Likewise, information and complexity are often considered the same, but they are not.
Using the trapped scientist, these terms will now be defined.
Order is the easiest to understand. If the scientist draws the word cat
12 times in a row from the basket and enters this into the computer, then the message he
enters is ordered. Ordered messages (or combinations in this example) contain patterns
that allow them to be simplified. The combination cat-dog-cat-dog-cat-dog is ordered.
Complex messages are messages that are not ordered. The combination
cat-drink-bike-book-apple-run-man-soon-dog-coconut- zoo-fun is complex because it is not
ordered.
Information is any change in uncertainty. Once the scientist observes
the result of any draw, he acquires information. The results do not influence information
because each word reduces his uncertainty by the same amount. Only the combination that
opens the door conveys knowledge. In figure 2.2, this combination is also complex, but it
does not have to be.
The term specified complexity1 is often used in intelligent
design literature. This terminology is misleading in that biological messages do not have
to be complex. They can also be ordered.
If the scientist predicts that he will enter cat-dog-man-fun-plant
before drawing any blocks, then he has specified a complex message, but unless he
specifies the combination of the door, this message will not be useful, and it will not
confer a selective advantage. Specified complexity is only relevant to evolution if the
word complexity is interpreted to mean a message that confers a selective advantage; The
word knowledge has this meaning already built into its definition. Knowledge is always
specified and useful, and in living things for knowledge to be useful, it must confer a
selective advantage.
next: Information Theory Example
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