The quest for the definition of life

TL;DR

This paper argues that due to the complex and overlapping attributes of living and non-living systems, a clear, universal definition of life is unattainable, as no distinct boundary separates the two.

Contribution

The paper provides a mathematical analysis demonstrating the absence of a definitive boundary or unique characteristics that distinguish living from non-living entities.

Findings

No universal definition of life exists.

Transformation from non-living to living lacks a clear boundary.

Living and non-living systems share overlapping attributes.

Abstract

The intricacy and diversity inherent in living organisms present a formidable obstacle to the establishment of a universally accepted definition. Life manifests in a multitude of forms, exhibiting various attributes such as growth, reproduction, responsiveness to stimuli, adaptation, and homeostasis. However, each of these characteristics can also be observed to some degree within certain non-living systems, leading to a blurring of boundaries and generating conceptual complexities. In this manuscript, I demonstrate that the transformation of a non-living entity into a living organism does not adhere to a specific temporal boundary that unequivocally designates the onset of life. Through mathematical analysis, I have demonstrated that a comprehensive definition of living beings does not exist, which means that there are no clear boundaries in the chemical processes that turn non-living entities into living ones. In other words, living organisms do not possess unique characteristics that can completely set them apart from non-living entities. Therefore, no definitive definition exists that unequivocally distinguishes living things from non-living things.