Sara Imari Walker, an astrobiologist and theoretical physicist, dives into the cosmic origins of life and the fascinating concept of artificial life. She challenges traditional definitions of life, linking consciousness and intelligence across species, from dolphins to octopuses. The conversation explores the ethical dilemmas of creating artificial beings and the interconnectedness of humanity and technology. Walker provokes thought on life beyond Earth and urges a deeper understanding of our evolutionary role in the universe.

Sara Imari Walker, an astrobiologist and theoretical physicist, dives into the origin and definition of life. They challenge conventional concepts of life, exploring interesting questions about artificial life amidst a background of physics and biology. Discussions cover the Fermi paradox, the potential for extraterrestrial existence, and the evolution of complex structures through assembly theory. Walker also speaks on the philosophical implications of a 'block universe' and the infinite nature of prime numbers, highlighting the fascinating intersection of mathematics and existence.

Guest Sara Imari Walker discusses the information theory of biology and origins of life. Topics include the relation between information, matter, and energy, the search for a fundamental understanding of life, the emergence of life on Earth, the role of information in defining life's principles, the challenges of reductionism in biology, self-replication theories, major transitions in biology linked to information processing, and the interconnectedness of life as a system from biology to AI.

We are all alive, but “life” is something we struggle to understand. How do we distinguish a “living organism” from an emergent dynamical system like a hurricane, or a resource-consuming chemical reaction like a forest fire, or an information-processing system like a laptop computer? There is probably no one crisp set of criteria that delineates life from non-life, but it’s worth the exercise to think about what we really mean, especially as the quest to find life outside the confines of the Earth picks up steam. Sara Imari Walker planned to become a cosmologist before shifting her focus to astrobiology, and is now a leading researcher on the origin and nature of life. We talk about what life is and how to find it, with a special focus on the role played by information and computation in living beings.Support Mindscape on Patreon.Sara Imari Walker received her Ph.D. in physics from Dartmouth college. She is currently Associate Professor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University, Deputy Director of the Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science, and Associate Director of the ASU-Santa Fe Institute Center for Biosocial Complex Systems. She is the co-founder of the astrobiology social network SAGANet, and serves on the Board of Directors for Blue Marble Space.Web siteGoogle Scholar pageAsk an Astrobiologist interviewTalk on A Theory of LifeWikipediaTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this fascinating discussion, astrobiologist Sara Imari Walker, the Deputy Director of the Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science, teams up with Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice. They dive into the philosophical and scientific aspects of life, including the potential for non-carbon-based organisms and AI as a form of life. From assembly theory to the revolutionary insights of the Miller-Urey experiment, they unravel how complexity arises in nature. The conversation balances humor and profound inquiry into life’s mysterious origins.

Physics professors Jim Al-Khalili and Sara Imari Walker discuss the emergence of life from non-living matter and the challenges of understanding consciousness. They explore concepts such as entropy, proton tunneling in DNA, quantum consciousness, and the role of information theory in understanding life. They also delve into the evolution of objects and theories like quantum biology and non-equilibrium physics that could unravel the mysteries of life and consciousness.

Dr. Sara Imari Walker is an astrobiologist and theoretical physicist pioneering ideas about the origins of life. She discusses the limitations of traditional definitions of life and introduces assembly theory, which examines the complexity of molecular structures. The conversation delves into the intersection of physics and biology, the implications of embryology for understanding life, and the exciting prospect of alien intelligence. Sara also shares thoughts on technology's role in discovering new forms of life, inspiring a fresh perspective on existence.

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!

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.

Sara Imari Walker, an astrobiologist and theoretical physicist, dives into the intricate question of what defines life. She argues that current definitions fall short for understanding life's origins and extraterrestrial possibilities. Walker emphasizes a revolutionary approach to studying life's emergence, discussing assembly theory and its implications for identifying biosignatures on exoplanets. The conversation also challenges traditional views on consciousness and free will, linking them to material processes and the complexity of biological systems.