Does Science Have a Universal Definition of Life?

[Routaran]

Hello all
I was reading an article which claimed science did not have a definition for Life. that statement on face value i think is just plain wrong. I think the author may have ment that it didnt have a definition that everyone will perhaps agree on.

I am a computer programmer and my crude defintion is as follows:
Life is anything that consumes fuel and expends energy to maintain its "bodily functions", reacts to external stimulus and reproduces with heredity.


So i wanted to know if there was a definition that was accepted in the professional circles and what it was?

 

[stevenb]

Hello all
I was reading an article which claimed science did not have a definition for Life. that statement on face value i think is just plain wrong. I think the author may have ment that it didnt have a definition that everyone will perhaps agree on ...

Life is anything that consumes fuel and expends energy to maintain its "bodily functions", reacts to external stimulus and reproduces with heredity.

A mule can't reproduce by heredity, yet it is still life.

 

[Routaran]

crap, good point.
any other definitions that can't be shot down in one short sentence?

 

[SW VandeCarr]

In general, living systems are defined as being capable of metabolism (by which they maintain a lower state of entropy than the environment) and the ability to replicate. Not every individual may be able to replicate, but is at least created by replication. In maintaining a state far from equilibrium with the environment, living systems increase the overall environmental entropy.

 

[LudusRex]

Hello there,

I can assure you that there is indeed a scientific definition of life that is widely accepted in professional circles. While there may be different interpretations and nuances to this definition, the core principles remain the same.

According to the scientific community, life can be defined as a self-sustaining, self-replicating system that is capable of evolving and adapting to its environment. This definition encompasses the key characteristics you mentioned, such as the ability to consume energy, respond to stimuli, and reproduce with heredity.

This definition of life is not limited to just biological organisms, but also includes artificial life forms and potential life on other planets. It is constantly evolving as our understanding of the universe expands.

I hope this clarifies any confusion and reaffirms that there is indeed a scientific definition of life. Thank you for your question and interest in this topic.