Modern Wisdom #394 - Carl Zimmer - What Are The Weirdest Types Of Life?
Nov 6, 2021
Carl Zimmer, a science writer and expert in evolution and parasites, dives into the enigmatic world of life and its definitions. He discusses bizarre organisms that thrive in the vacuum of space and the potential for completely alien life forms. Zimmer also examines slime molds that navigate mazes and the philosophical dilemmas surrounding life and death. He sheds light on Cotard syndrome, where individuals feel they are dead, and challenges our understanding of consciousness. It’s a captivating exploration of life’s weirdest forms and their implications.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Life's Definition: A Scientific Challenge
- Defining "life" is surprisingly complex, varying even among scientists.
- This impacts fields like euthanasia, abortion, and comas, where life's boundaries blur.
Biologists' Focus on Specifics
- Many biologists avoid defining "life" broadly, focusing on specific organisms instead.
- This creates an odd situation where life's definition remains unclear within the field.
Cotard Syndrome: The Living Dead
- Cotard syndrome patients believe they are dead, describing their "deaths" despite living functions.
- This psychological condition challenges our intuitive understanding of life and death.
