Part 2/9:
The discussion began by addressing the complexities involved in defining both life and consciousness. Traditional definitions of life often focus on functional characteristics such as metabolism, growth, and self-organization. However, these descriptions paint only a partial picture. Echoing historical thought, especially the concept of vitalism from the 19th century—a belief in a life force beyond physical explanations—the speaker highlighted a shift from energy-based theories to molecular biology, often disregarding the potential significance of quantum processes.
Schrodinger's 1935 work, What is Life?, suggested that life's essential unity could stem from quantum coherence, hinting at a deeper interplay between life and quantum mechanics.