In evolution thermodynamics, neg-entropy is marginal variant of the conjunction “negative-entropy”, similar to negentropy or neguentropy, referring to an energetic-effect of growth, evolution, or increasing organization.
The term neg-entropy, however, seems to be far removed, in many cases, from its original connotation. Author Stephen Haines, an engineer, management consultant, and human systems theorist, for instance, incorrectly states, based on extrapolations of the heat death theory, that entropy refers to the natural characteristic of all living systems to eventually slow down and die and that in open biological systems or social systems, entropy can be arrested. He defines “neg-entropy” as phenomena such as new and stimulating inputs, e.g. education and learning, and states that a body’s cells completely regenerate every seven years through neg-entropy. [1]
In alternative medicine, neg-entropy is associated with stability and time. [2] It is argued, for instance, that one’s perception of time is connected with their state of neg-entropy, in that the more neg-entropic one is (young, whole, and growing), the slower time is perceived to be; whereas the more entropic one becomes (old, chaotic, and degenerating), the faster time seems to pass. [2]
References
1. Haines, Stephen G. (2000). The Complete Guide to Systems Thinking and Learning, (pg. 19). HRD Press.
2. Diamond, John W. (2000). The Clinical Practice of Complementary, Alternative, and Western Medicine, (pgs. 22-23). CRC Press.
