Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal
Earth Holds The Key To Alien Life | Sara Walker
Mar 15, 2024
Sara Walker, a Professor of Astrobiology at Arizona State University, sheds light on assembly theory as a pivotal lens for understanding life and consciousness. She argues that instead of searching the cosmos, we should delve deeper into Earth's chemical processes to find insights into alien life. The conversation touches upon the evolution of complex systems, the philosophical implications of consciousness, and how our understanding of life can reshape notions of intelligence and reality. Walker's fresh perspective prompts a rethinking of what it means to be alive.
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Quick takeaways
- Objects are assembled through evolution and selection, emphasizing the role of evolutionary history in determining structure.
- Information plays a crucial role in constraining the space of possibilities and enabling the construction of complex objects like minds.
Deep dives
Objects are Assembly of Historically Contingent Trajectories
Objects are viewed as being assembled over time through evolution and selection, following causation through an informational process. The theory of assembly focuses on constructing objects from a more fundamental understanding, emphasizing the role of evolutionary history in determining the structure and properties of objects, including minds.
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