Simplifying Complexity Assembly theory with Lee Cronin - Part 2
Jun 9, 2025
In this discussion, Lee Cronin, Regius Professor of Chemistry at the University of Glasgow and Founder of Chemify, delves into Assembly Theory's fascinating implications. He reveals how assembly can be quantitatively measured in labs, using tools like mass spectrometry. Lee explains the critical threshold of 15 that distinguishes living systems from non-living ones. He paints an ambitious vision of using this theory to explore life beyond Earth and even measure consciousness, challenging conventional scientific perspectives along the way.
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Assembly Index Measures Molecular Complexity
- Assembly index measures the minimum number of steps needed to build a molecule from basic units.
- It quantifies the effort or selection required to produce complex molecular structures.
Assembly Index Versus Entropy
- Assembly theory connects assembly index with entropy but shows they are distinct concepts.
- Assembly adds causation and path to entropy, going beyond disorder to capture selection and complexity.
Assembly Reveals Selection Beyond Disorder
- Assembly captures causation and copy number, revealing structured complexity beyond disorder.
- The second law of thermodynamics may not be universally applicable to living systems due to insufficient understanding of initial conditions and time.