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Introduction
What is life? This question has puzzled scientists, philosophers, and thinkers for centuries. Traditional definitions often include factors like metabolism, growth, and reproduction. However, these criteria may fall short, especially when contemplating the existence of life in a simulated universe or the prospect of discovering alien life forms. This article argues for a flexible, minimalist definition of life centered on the concept of self-replication.
Geometric Lines as Life
Let's start with a simple, yet provocative idea: even a geometric line could qualify as a form of life if it can grow in length and divide. This act of lengthening and splitting is essentially a form of self-replication, which, I argue, is the primary criterion for life. What's more, this isn't a purely theoretical concept. Lines can be implemented in software as coded entities that can "grow" and "replicate" based on algorithms.
Software as Life
If we can entertain the idea that a line can be a life form, then the notion that software can also be considered life becomes far less far-fetched. Software programs can self-replicate, adapt to inputs, and even evolve over time. Like the lines that grow and divide, software can fulfill the criterion of self-replication. In essence, both share the ability to contain "information" in the form of their length or code, which can be replicated and propagated.
Implications
The minimalist definition of life, based solely on self-replication, has broad implications. It provides a framework that's flexible enough to accommodate life as it could exist in a simulated environment or as an alien life form. Traditional definitions fail to account for these possibilities, but a focus on self-replication broadens our understanding and prepares us for the unknown.
Conclusion
The question of what constitutes life is not only complex but also ever-evolving. As we venture into an era where we might discover alien life forms or even prove the existence of simulated universes, our definitions must evolve too. A simple, flexible definition centered on the capability for self-replication can capture not only the complexities of life as we know it but also the possibilities of life as we might come to know it.
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