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Old 12-07-2007, 00:05 AM   #16 (permalink)
ArmchairGeneral
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My posit is that we define what "alive" means by our characteristics. because we are, of course, alive.

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Which characteristics?
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Old 12-07-2007, 01:22 AM   #17 (permalink)
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Which characteristics?
Why, the characteristic of being alive of course.

More seriously, one can assemble a set of characteristics that define "life", but eventually you have to draw the line somewhere. I think algae is alive and crystals aren't. What do algae do that crystals don't? Is it as simple as reproducing instead of simply growing?

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Old 12-07-2007, 02:10 AM   #18 (permalink)
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Why, the characteristic of being alive of course.

More seriously, one can assemble a set of characteristics that define "life", but eventually you have to draw the line somewhere. I think algae is alive and crystals aren't. What do algae do that crystals don't? Is it as simple as reproducing instead of simply growing?

-dale
In general the line is more of a fuzzy, wideish band. Viruses, for instance. Or parasites like Rickettsia. Reproduction is certainly a vital characteristic, but viruses are definitely capable of reproduction. One might argue that they must have a host cell in order to reproduce, but then, so must highly dependent parasitic bacteria like Rickettsia.
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Old 12-12-2007, 18:13 PM   #19 (permalink)
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I favor the broad definition and I'm fine with classifying virii as living.

-dale
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Old 12-12-2007, 19:07 PM   #20 (permalink)
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I favor the broad definition and I'm fine with classifying virii as living.

-dale
Same here.
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