"On the other hand, there is a tendency for some peak-oil writers to throw around the Second Law of Thermodynamics as though it proves beyond doubt that any reduction in available energy must immediately result in a collapse of society, which is equally nonsensical"

Theories centering on collapse of society are focusing on White's Law such as the Olduvai Theory.  One thing I see that is not discussed on this board is human nature.  It seems like many here just assume people will be happy living in a culture where access to available energy is going to go into decline, i.e. a smooth transition.  No one is figuring in the riots over higher energy/food prices, resource wars, and the general disorder the people will bring upon themselves.  Humans are only "content" when they can acquire more "stuff".  It doesn't work in reverse.  Culture only evolves when the energy flow increases.  The only way to keep order in a society going into energy decline is with a totalitarian government, which is what we currently see forming in the US.

==AC

White's Law states that, other factors remaining constant, culture evolves as the amount of energy harnessed per capita per year is increased, or as the efficiency of the instrumental means of putting the energy to work is increased. (Leslie White, 1949.)