Making Sense with Sam Harris cover image

Making Sense with Sam Harris

#388 — What Is Life?

Oct 21, 2024
Sara Imari Walker, an astrobiologist and theoretical physicist, dives into the origin and definition of life. They challenge conventional concepts of life, exploring interesting questions about artificial life amidst a background of physics and biology. Discussions cover the Fermi paradox, the potential for extraterrestrial existence, and the evolution of complex structures through assembly theory. Walker also speaks on the philosophical implications of a 'block universe' and the infinite nature of prime numbers, highlighting the fascinating intersection of mathematics and existence.
46:59

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast emphasizes the inadequacy of standard definitions of life, advocating for a more nuanced understanding that reflects the complexities of biological and technological interplays.
  • A significant theme is the role of information in life, suggesting that biological structures rely on historical assembly processes, challenging traditional notions of what constitutes natural versus artificial life.

Deep dives

The Origin of Life and Physics

The podcast discusses how physics contributes to understanding the origins of life, particularly through the works of Erwin Schrodinger. Schrodinger’s seminal book, 'What is Life?', proposes that genetic heredity requires a non-repeating structure capable of storing vast amounts of information, an idea that foreshadows DNA's role in living organisms. The conversation emphasizes how understanding life is not simply about defining it but about grasping the deeper physics underpinning it, highlighting the inadequacy of standard definitions in encapsulating the complexity of life forms. This exploration leads to a critical reassessment of what constitutes life and pushes the boundaries of traditional scientific thinking.

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