Question

In Richard Dawkins's book The Blind Watchmaker, in the first chapter, says At this point some hawk-eyed philosopher will start mumbling something about a circular argument. Later on, a few paragraphs down, he says But, however many ways there may be of being alive, it is certain that there are vastly more ways of being dead, or rather not alive. I am such a hawk-eyed philosopher. Richard Dawkins has not defined what it means to be alive. I do grant that there are many more ways of a physical system being alive rather than not alive, but this depends on the definition of life. So, my question is, has any scientist given a definition of what it means for a physical system to be alive?

Answer 1

Scientists have proposed criteria for life such as the ability to grow, reproduce, and respond to stimuli; yet, as we explore the possibility of extraterrestrial life, these definitions may evolve. The search intertwines biology, philosophy, and astrophysics, as the origin of physical laws governing life remains a profound mystery yet to be fully understood.

Step-by-step explanation:

Throughout history, defining what it means to be alive has been a complex issue with various scientific definitions proposed. Scientists generally agree on certain criteria for life, which include the ability to reproduce, to grow, to respond to stimuli, and to metabolize for energy. One widely accepted definition describes living organisms as systems that maintain homeostasis, are composed of cells, undergo metabolism, can grow, adapt to their environment, respond to stimuli, and reproduce. However, as our knowledge of the universe expands and with the quest of astrobiology to find life elsewhere, this definition might evolve to include new forms of life that do not necessarily meet all these criteria.

The search for life beyond Earth also raises philosophical questions about the origin of life and the nature of the universe. For example, arguments like the anthropic principle suggest that physical laws are such because they allow for our existence. As science advances, it continues to explore the relationship between life and the physical laws governing the universe, though the ultimate origins of these laws remain mysterious. While we do not yet have a unified theory explaining all aspects of life's origin, the endeavor to understand life, both on Earth and potentially elsewhere in the universe, reveals a fascinating interplay between biology, philosophy, and astrophysics.