The energy balance statement (delta energy stores = delta energy in - delta energy out) is unequivocally correct as long as the laws of thermodynamics are accepted, but it is descriptive rather than explanatory.

“i think the energy balance statement i won't say model say the energy balance statement is as long as you accept the laws of thermodynamics unequivocally correct in the same sense as if you accept euclidean geometry the statements about the relationship between the legs and the hypotenuse of a triangle are unequivocally correct but if i say to you i have a triangle of this size with legs of length a and b and i proportionately imagine another triangle that has legs greater than length a and b it doesn't cause the hypotenuse to be bigger it means the hypotenuse is bigger and if i say i imagine one with a bigger hypotenuse it doesn't cause the legs to be bigger it means the legs are bigger and any question about whether the legs cause the hypotenuse or the hypotenuse cause the legs is nonsense they don't cause each other they're inherent in the definition of triangle just as inherent in the definition of energy uh is the law of conservation and it just says delta energy stores minus equals delta energy n minus delta energy out it's just a statement”