Making Sense with Sam Harris - Subscriber Content cover image

Making Sense with Sam Harris - Subscriber Content

#388 - What Is Life?

Oct 21, 2024
Sara Imari Walker, an astrobiologist and theoretical physicist from Arizona State University, delves into the scientific understanding of life. They discuss how traditional definitions fall short and the intriguing role of physics in the topic. Concepts like assembly theory and the Fermi paradox come to life as they explore the potential for extraterrestrial existence. Walker also challenges us to rethink the intersection of life and technology, raising questions about whether machines could be considered alive. It's a captivating journey through the cosmos!
01:13:36

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The inadequacy of standard definitions of life challenges our understanding, as entities like viruses and advanced systems blur the lines between living and non-living.
  • Understanding life as a process rooted in information rather than mere chemical composition reframes the conversation around the origin and nature of life.

Deep dives

Understanding Life Through Physics

An exploration of the nature of life leads to an intriguing question: what constitutes life? The discussion references Erwin Schrödinger's significant contributions in this domain, particularly his intriguing concept of an aperiodic crystal in his book 'What is Life?' This model provides insights into genetic heredity, suggesting structures that can store vast amounts of information, akin to DNA. However, the inadequacies of standard definitions of life are also examined, highlighting grey areas, such as whether entities like viruses and technologically advanced systems can be classified as living.

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