What Defines Life: Is It DNA, RNA, or a Universal Programming?

Thread starter Skhandelwal
Start date Oct 23, 2007
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Life

AI Thread Summary

The discussion centers on the complexities of defining life, particularly in relation to viruses and prions, which challenge traditional definitions. Life is generally characterized by energy consumption, reproduction, responsiveness to stimuli, and growth, but exceptions exist, complicating the definition. The conversation highlights the difficulty in establishing a universally accepted definition of life due to the diversity of biological forms and the evolving understanding of life sciences. Participants also debate the concept of free will, questioning whether human choices are genuinely independent or merely programmed responses. Ultimately, the discourse reflects the ongoing exploration of what constitutes life and consciousness in biological and philosophical contexts.

Nov 22, 2007

Phred101.2

I recall reading recently that "reality" can be described in 40-something equations, and these are the most accurate description to date, of all the interactions, described mathematically. Or maybe it was 400-something, but there's an idea that we can describe, or abstract everything eventually.

Last edited: Nov 22, 2007