Closer To Truth Sara Imari Walker on Physics, Emergence, and Life on Other Planets
Nov 20, 2024
Sara Imari Walker, an astrobiologist and theoretical physicist at Arizona State University, presents a captivating exploration of the origins of life and the potential for alien existence. She introduces assembly theory, stating that life develops complexity and challenges traditional views of matter and consciousness. Walker discusses the significance of information in life’s emergence and reevaluates the physical laws governing our understanding of existence. She also delves into the critical aspects of time, causation, and the nature of free will in shaping both life and consciousness.
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Information as a Fundamental Category
- Sara Imari Walker studies life by searching for fundamental physics principles within living things.
- She aims to understand life's origins and potential alien life by focusing on information as a fundamental aspect of causation.
Interconnectedness of Fundamental Problems
- Walker connects the origin of matter, life, and mind, viewing them as deeply intertwined.
- Understanding fundamental physics reveals connections between seemingly disparate concepts.
Chemical Correlates of Life
- Walker argues that traditional definitions of life, like metabolism and reproduction, are like "chemical correlates", similar to neural correlates of consciousness.
- They describe observable features, not life's fundamental essence, especially for alien life.
