Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian W
Hi all in a previous discussion a definition of life was given and it is undoubtedly a reasonable definition. However is it not possible that it only applies to life on a certain scale.
Consider the -protein- concept. It appears that the universe does not do the protein thing so it cannot be alive. But much in the universe does fit the definition and all of the creatures that fit the protein definition are part of the universe in perhaps the same way as our cells are part of us.
Perhaps what is needed is a definition of life that applies to the really really big just as in physics there is the need of a way of looking at things that works for the really really tiny?
Brian
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Hi Brian;
Ok . .this is the second time 'round for this concept of yours, so its got me thinking a little beyond what intuitively feels like major incongruity.
Perhaps I can interpret beyond the detail, and meet you somewhere on the aspect of scale.
Try this one:
If the universe we see, appears to us, as resembling self-similar repeating patterns (eg: many galaxies are spiral, or elliptical), and we see this repeated over and over again, then why wouldn't the patterns and processes exhibiting the same self-similar characteristics formed and used by life at the other end of the scale, (ie: such as chromosomes, genes, mitosis, meisos, etc), also be evident at some larger scale ?
If we're on the same playin' field here, then the next question would be how big is the pattern, and at what point can we expect the repetition to show up ?
If we are, by some strange co-incidence, on the same playing field, (in terms of thought), then maybe there is hope of mapping your thoughts into scientific legitimacy. (Mind you, I'm not sure why you wouldn't just jump directly into scientific legitimacy in the first place
.. its kind of a warm and cozy place to be for those out in the cold, mate
)
(I'm getting a little cheeky .. and punchy .. I've been at this too long today).
Feel free to comment.
Cheers