From: lexfridman
The quest to understand life and the potential existence of alien life forms comprises both philosophical inquiries and scientific explorations. Sarah Walker, an astrobiologist and theoretical physicist, offers a fresh perspective on these topics, highlighting the complex interplay between the search for extraterrestrial life and the origin of life itself.
Life as No One Knows It
Sarah Walker introduces her book, Life As No One Knows It: The Physics of Life’s Emergence, as a deep dive into the physics of life’s origin and the nature of life itself. She proposes that the fundamental principles of life could be universal [00:00:21].
Materialists vs. Vitalists
In Walker’s exploration, she differentiates between materialists and vitalists. Materialists view life as describable in terms of physical matter, while vitalists suggest there is an intangible essence, perhaps akin to a soul, that animates life [00:01:12]. Walker suggests that both perspectives contain trace elements of truth, emphasizing the importance of recognizing patterns and narratives that have persisted across cultures and generations [00:04:03].
Defining Life
The definition of life has long eluded scientists. Traditional definitions, such as “life is a self-reproducing system,” encounter numerous counterexamples like viruses, leading to philosophical debates and scientific challenges [00:09:22]. Walker argues for a broader definition, suggesting that life might be a process of how information structures matter over time and space, unfolding in an open-ended cascade of increasing complexity [00:21:00].
Life’s Universal Principles
Walker believes that life follows universal principles, suggesting a deep exploratory framework that allows for recognizing unfamiliar life forms and understanding their underlying regularities [00:07:02]. She posits that just as the laws of physics are consistent throughout the universe, so too might be the underlying principles of life, though expressed differently on other worlds.
Technology and Life
The discussion extends to how technology informs our understanding of life, with the concept of a technosphere, where technology begins to exhibit life-like properties, representing another evolutionary phase for Earth [00:00:21]. This technosphere, which involves a planetary-scale integration of life and technology, might be the key to reproducing life on other planets by transferring this integrated system to another world [02:30:20].
The Impact of Consciousness
Walker notes that understanding consciousness might reveal new insights about life’s complexity and emergence [02:06:26]. She suggests that consciousness, intelligence, and life may be different expressions of the same fundamental processes, raising questions about their emergence and evolution.
The Search for Alien Life
The search for alien life is deeply intertwined with understanding our own life’s origin and evolution [01:31:44]. Walker argues that solving the origin of life on Earth could be key to recognizing life elsewhere, positing that any discovery of alien life might first manifest through understanding life’s emergence in new settings, such as an origin of life experiment [01:31:44].
Final Thoughts
This dynamic discourse on the principles of life and the quest for understanding extraterrestrial existence illustrates a profound journey. Walker’s perspective is not just about demystifying life’s complexity but also about preparing humanity for the possibility of discovering life beyond Earth. Through exploration and understanding, she believes we will enhance our grasp of life in the universe, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is known and questioning the very essence of existence itself.