Definition of Life
We review several definitions of life and propose a working definition that reflects evolution of information in the universe, from the the pre-biotic world of dynamic, though
passive physical and chemical information
structures, to the
active information
processing systems of biology in the living world, to the pure abstract information (neither matter nor energy) in the ideal world of thought and
mind.
Some Definitions of Life
The assemblage of the functional activities by which the presence of [life] is manifested...
Life is a characteristic distinguishing physical entities having biological processes (such as signaling and self-sustaining processes) from those that do not. Organisms are composed of one or more cells, undergo metabolism, maintain homeostasis, can grow, respond to stimuli, reproduce (either sexually or asexually) and, through evolution, adapt to their environment in successive generations.
Wikipedia
a state of living characterized by capacity for metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction.
Merriam Webster
The property or quality that distinguishes living organisms from dead organisms and inanimate matter, manifested in functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli or adaptation to the environment through changes originating from within the organism.
Dictionary.com
Questions: Viruses, Spores, etc.?
Essential Elements, Characteristics, Structures and Functions
Metabolism (negative entropy flow of energy and matter)
Reproduction (self-replication, self-assembly, self-maintenance - homeostasis, )
Adaptation
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Erwin Schrödinger. "Life is physics and chemistry."
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Manfred Eigen. "Life is physics and chemistry and information."
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Günther Witzany. "Life is physics and chemistry and communication."
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Thomas Sebeok. "Life is semiotics (Peirce's study of signs)."
Proposed Working Definition of Life as Evolving Information
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