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Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

294 | Addy Pross on Dynamics, Stability, and Life

Oct 28, 2024
Addy Pross, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at Ben-Gurion University and author of "What Is Life? How Chemistry Becomes Biology," discusses dynamic kinetic stability as a key to understanding life's origins. He challenges traditional physics notions, emphasizing the importance of energy and adaptability in biological systems. Through fascinating analogies, he illustrates how living organisms maintain stability despite constant change. Pross also explores the intricate relationship between metabolism, replication, and the evolution of consciousness, prompting listeners to rethink life's complexity.
01:11:33

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Quick takeaways

  • Dynamic kinetic stability challenges traditional views by showing that living systems maintain stability through continuous energy intake and renewal rather than minimizing energy.
  • Redefining life as a replicating chemical system in a dynamically kinetically stable state offers a fresh perspective on life's origins and complexity.

Deep dives

The Nature of Dynamic Kinetic Stability

Dynamic kinetic stability (DKS) differs from traditional notions of stability, where systems minimize energy and settle into low-energy states. In contrast, DKS refers to systems that remain stable over time through continuous renewal and external resource intake, allowing them to maintain their structure while undergoing substantial internal change. This concept challenges the idea that stability is solely associated with low energy, emphasizing that life sustains complexity through a balance of energetic renewal and persistent self-organization. Understanding DKS is crucial for recognizing how early life may have originated, as it provides a framework to discuss the dynamic processes necessary for living systems.

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