Philosophical Issues: What is Life?
Traditional, biological definitions of life include characteristics such
as reproduction and metabolism. Such a definition may be too narrow for
the future, as stranger forms of life are found. Still, where's the
line between life and nonlife? If an uploaded person is alive, then
what about a robot (not created from a person, but still very
intelligent)? What about a supercomputer? A farm tractor? It seems
safe to say that the farm tractor is not alive, but that leaves a lot of
room for debate.
Steven Potter's paper, The Meaning
of "Life", presents an excellent overview of the topic from
a scientific perspective.
philolife.html . . . . . . . . 3/27/95 . . . . . . .