Overview
Explore the enigmatic origins of life in this thought-provoking public lecture by Paul Davies. Delve into the fundamental question of how a complex mixture of chemicals can transform into a living organism. Examine the conceptual mismatch between physics, chemistry, and biology in understanding life's emergence. Discover how research is shifting from focusing solely on chemical substrates to incorporating information theory and complexity theory. Consider the implications of life's origins for the possibility of alternative life forms on Earth and the likelihood of life elsewhere in the universe. Gain insights into universal constructors, genetic codes, biological information, and the two-way flow of information in living systems. Contemplate the mystery of life and explore theories on where life might be found beyond our planet.
Syllabus
Introduction
The Origin of Life
Life on Earth
Where did life begin
How did life begin
Universal constructors
Genetic codes
Biological information
Twoway flow
The mystery of life
Theory
Where do we find life
Taught by
Santa Fe Institute