[renormalised (Carl)]

Yes, but self organisation and replication, in any system, doesn't make it alive....does it

There are plenty of systems which are self replicating and organising given the right conditions (crystal growth, for example), even proteins and other organic molecules. Let alone other inorganic, non biological systems. Doesn't mean they're necessarily alive. To be brutally honest about it, we don't have a clue about what life is. All we do know is some very limited, functional appreciation of the mechanics of it all. However, we've got plenty of time to figure this one out