Defining 'life'

Carol E. Cleland; Christopher F. Chyba

doi:10.1023/A:1020503324273

Defining 'life'

Carol E. Cleland, Christopher F. Chyba

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

199 Scopus citations

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	https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020503324273
State	Published - Aug 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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title = "Defining 'life'",

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.",

keywords = "Astrobiology, Definition of life, Europa, Natural kinds, Viking",

author = "Cleland, {Carol E.} and Chyba, {Christopher F.}",

note = "Funding Information: This work was supported in part by a NASA grant to the University of Colorado{\textquoteright}s Astrobiology Center, the NASA exobiology program, and a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.",

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N2 - 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.

AB - 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.

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KW - Natural kinds

KW - Viking

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Defining 'life'

Abstract

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

Keywords

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