Abstract
There is no broadly accepted definition of 'life.' Suggested definitions face problems, often in the form of robust counter-examples. Here we use insights from philosophical investigations into language to argue that defining 'life' currently poses a dilemma analogous to that faced by those hoping to define 'water' before the existence of molecular theory. In the absence of an analogous theory of the nature of living systems, interminable controversy over the definition of life is inescapable.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 387-393 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Origins of life and evolution of the biosphere |
| Volume | 32 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Aug 1 2002 |
| Externally published | Yes |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Space and Planetary Science
Keywords
- Astrobiology
- Definition of life
- Europa
- Natural kinds
- Viking
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Cite this
Cleland, C. E., & Chyba, C. F. (2002). Defining 'life'. Origins of life and evolution of the biosphere, 32(4), 387-393. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020503324273