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Originally Posted by Rob_K
The universal laws of physics applied to planet formation produce life.
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And we have empirical evidence of the building blocks of life in far flung objects such as comets.
When we spectroscopically detect an exotic new compound in a distant star system, do we say, well that is the only place in the Universe that this compound exists, until we get indisputable empirical data to say otherwise?
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To the best of my knowledge, no one has ever reproduced life from its fundamental constituents.
This suggests that there are some missing elements in our understanding of how it gets started
What are those elements ? Where do they exist ? Under what physical conditions do they come together to form life ? Where in the universe might they be found ? How many of these places exist ?
The gaps in our understanding of life are huge .. perhaps commensurate in size and number, as the dimensions of the universe. If this is not so, then why is it not so ?
The laws of Physics govern what happens when a brick on a rubber band is pulled up an inclined plane of carborundum paper. No matter how many times you run the experiment every outcome is different. It is called a complex system. (Credit to: Bert).
Does life happen this way ? If not, why not ? Are the number of attempts related to chance duplicate outcome ? If so, how many attempts are needed? If not, then is it reasonable to agree with an empirical, observationally demonstrable model, that every outcome is different, no matter how many times you run the experiment ?
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Originally Posted by Rob_K
The burden of proof is on the naysayers to find evidence that life is magical after all, or that the Solar System (or Earth) is somehow unique in all the Universe, or that the universal laws that produce life apply to only our small corner of the Universe. The proof required would be extraordinary because we already have the empirical evidence. Fence-sitters... well they're in denial both ways.  |
Why is it so important to be right about such a nonsense issue ?
There's something else afoot here, methinks !
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Rob_K
In practical terms we may never detect life outside our own Solar System (or detect it to the satisfaction of everyone!), but we can be pretty certain it exists. We are the proof.
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Last time I looked, we live inside the Solar System.
Cheers