This seems a classic example of a strawman. The search for a self-
organization theory for the origin of life is motivated (rather than
refuted) by probability calculations such as those by H&W. The
probability calculation is aimed at a specific model for the
origin of life, namely the spontaneous formation of biomolecules
by pure-chance associations of smaller molecules in a primordial
soup. Pure chance really has little to do with self-organization.
When I first read the above I was betting that Hoyle's calculation
was discussed by Kauffman and sure enough you can find reference to
it on p. 44 and 45 of <At Home in the Universe>:
"... The problem, I believe, is that Hoyle, Wickramasinghe, and
many others have failed to appreciate the power of self-organization.
It is not necessary that a specific set of 2,000 enzymes be assembled,
one by one, to carry out a specific set of reactions. ..." SK
As we see, the probability calculation of H&W has nothing to do
with Kauffman's theories.
Brian Harper
Associate Professor
Applied Mechanics
The Ohio State University
"He who establishes his arguments
by noise and command shows that
reason is weak" -- Montaigne