Lex Fridman Podcast #433 – Sara Walker: Physics of Life, Time, Complexity, and Aliens
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Jun 13, 2024 
Sara Walker, an astrobiologist and theoretical physicist known for her book "Life as No One Knows It," dives into the mysteries of life's emergence and the potential for extraterrestrial existence. She explores the intricate dance between life and death using examples like the zombie ant fungus. The discussion reveals the complexities of consciousness, advocating for a broader, interconnected understanding of life that encompasses both biology and technology. Walker also grapples with the philosophical implications of expanded definitions of existence and the interplay between creativity and rationality in science.
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Materialism vs. Vitalism
- Vitalists believe a non-physical force animates life, while materialists see life as purely physical.
- Sara Walker suggests that life could be a material property we don't yet understand.
Paradox of Defining Life
- Defining life is paradoxical because common definitions fail to encompass all examples.
- Existing definitions often include non-living things or exclude living organisms like viruses.
Zombie Ant Fungus
- The zombie ant fungus, a parasite controlling ant behavior, blurs life's boundaries.
- The ant is technically dead, yet alive due to the fungus, challenging individual definitions of life.
