Abstract:
There is little consensus over the definition of life, and, consequently, development and its optimization. We consider that the fundamental distinction of living beings (organisms) - in contrast to lifeless (inanimate) nature - is the function of accumulation and use of the free energy (Gibbs’s energy G) from the environment, with the subsequent rejection of the “waste” (low-potential, degraded) energy in the environment. Societal progress (development) can be measured exactly - it is direct proportional to the total accumulated free energy. We prove that human society development differs qualitatively from the development of the other species - it can be consciously dirigible, entirely intensive and sustainable. Scientifically based development can be optimized.