What separates a living thing from a non-living thing?

Question

What is life? Do you think that living things are wholey physical things, just chemical reactions? Is life something that can be completly understood using the laws of physics and chemistry or is there more to living things? Do you think there is something like a vital force or a soul that separates living things from non-living things? Is it possible that even if we knew everything there is to know about the physical and chemical nature of life forms that we would still need something like a vital force to fully describe and understand them? I originally posted this question in the biology section, but I thought maybe I would get some more interesting answers in the philosophy section.

Answer 1

Life, is the breath of God.

Answer 2

You are Life. You don't "Have" a soul. You ARE a soul. The body is just a machine that a life force uses to be identified and to experience sensation. You know that is it not alive because when you leave it, it dies. Just like a car. Sitting there in the drive way, it's not alive, but put a person in there and you can rev it up and it has an engine of it's own and everything.

If you are truly looking at answers about life, I strongly suggest you read the works of L. Ron Hubbard. Scientology means, literally: Knowing how to Know. There is a wealth of knowledge in this Philosopher's works regarding life and livingness, including the common denominator of all life. Fascinating.

Also, there is a very curious movie you can watch called "What the Bleep do we know". Some physicists and scientists talk directly to you about thought, life and quantum physics. Very very interesting.

Good luck!

Answer 3

How are trees and fleas alike? They are both living things. Everything on this earth is living and has parts to play. All we know about souls, in any form, is all we can grasp right now. We know so little here. We have a long way to go before we "know everything" and even then we will know nothing. There is a force but nobody can even guess what that might be. Religously speaking, it is said that God sleeps in the rock, awakens in nature and comes to life in the human.

Answer 4

Ahhh, another chance to bash Michelangelo for what he put on that ceiling. He corrupted the thinking of countless generations.

At some point in time, the realization may come upon the western mind that ,,,,that which is responsible for us being here in the first place, is not something that is external to us. All of the activities of those things that have life in them are merely a type of 'experience' for the fulfillment of the design of the First Cause.
In a sense, all of reality is connected and intrinsically one thing

Think of this the next time you ponder free will, or reincarnation.

Answer 5

Get the Book or discs entitled "The Universe in a Single Atom." Sub-tittled " The convergence of science and spirituality." It is written by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It answers your question really well. It is almost like you ask him that question.
I have been inspired with his vision and the Tibetan/ Indian Buddhist view of our universe. He travels the world talking to and learning Darwinism, neurobiology, consciousness, examining the contemplative and the scientific views of the world, or reality.

Answer 6

Only our perception separates 'Living' and non-living' things.

There is nothing in this world called 'Non-Living Thing'. Every thing in this universe has life. We took the meaning of 'Life' as 'Moving'. All matter has vibrating atoms inside them. In some materials, this vibration is visible in some thing this is not visible.

Energy is the source of all things in this universe and this energy can be either potential or kinetic in different ratios. If more kinetic, then they move, if more potential, then they look still.

Even the stones have life within them. They vibrate and vibrate in tune with the whole universe.

Life is wonderful individuality still in tune with universe!

Answer 7

Non-living things do not have a desire to consume. If they consume it is a matter of chance, or of mass, or of unavoidable collision. All living things consume, right down to the cellular level, from the time life begins until it ends. The difference is the unending desire. Even if we chose to live no more, every cell in our bodies would fight that urge and our hearts would beat until there wasn't a drop of energy left to do so. We live because we must - we desire to - on a cellular level.

Answer 8

the soul seperates the life from the non life. The ability to ask the question you asked proves you are a living being. You askeds a question mankind has dwelled on for ever.

Answer 9

The ability to sense in one form or another, and to interact with to some degree, various elements within the environment.

Trying to vocalize what makes life, life, is hard though. By my definition, computers and robots would be alive. Its a hard one to define. :P

you could say that a living thing has certain requirements/ parameters that must be met in order to exist. Food, air, etc.

But then again... By that definition something like Fire would be alive.

I dunno... this is making my poor little peabrain hurt. :(

Answer 10

of course your right,everybody has potentialities but who gets the knowledge to get it out wins are you really interested in spirituality do you know about the seven chakras in your body below are the benefits of these chakras:
How Does This Happen ?…
We are gradually opening key energy centers in your body using the ancient vibrational sounds of the didgeridoo, which when combined in certain octaves and a specific rhythm, have a very powerful vibration in them that unlocks the secret coding of the chakras, helping to unlock the dormant power that lay in them, unleashing talents and abilities you never even knew you possessed. You will absolutely amaze yourself ! …your friends will not recognize you….you will be happier, more peaceful and much more fun to be around !
As your chakras start blossom open, you can expect these benefits…
The First Chakra…Is associated with being rooted in the earth. A sense of belonging. Spiritual growth and a deep connection to nature.

The Second Chakra…Is associated with intimacy. Healthy loving relationships. Pure and deep sexual union with your partner. The unconscious mind starts to reveal itself… giving you clues as to what subconscious programming needs to be replaced to help you function at a higher level of consciousness.

The Third Chakra…is associated with the gaining of Self determination. A feeling of purpose starts to rise. You start to gain insight into your destiny. Your “will power” becomes unshakeable. You will start to manifest your goals much more easily.

The Fourth Chakra… is associated with Universal compassion. Unconditional Love. A feeling of limitlessness…. everyone will notice the difference… you will be more loving.

The Fifth Chakra… is associated with Creativity. Communication with others is greatly enhanced. Self expression is much more of a flow. Your speech is more clearer, flowing more confidently… in a nutshell, you will be so much more confident.

The Sixth Chakra…is associated with a much more developed intuition. You will start to have a clear vision of your own spiritual path. A feeling of advanced knowing will start to overcome you, interspersed with a lofty feeling of transcendence…. You will gain insight into the destiny of mankind.

The Seventh Chakra… is associated with a sense of completion. A sense of mysticism, Self realization and frequent flashes of “Enlightenment”. This is the state in which others will be drawn to you, seeking spiritual guidance and healing… you will be magnetically attractive.
The Aborigines said that when these chakras were closed, it caused us to live in a dreamlike and illusionary state, so we have aptly named our program, “Awaken From The Dreamtime”. There are 7 specific levels of the “Deep Trance Meditation” Each specific level opens up a different energy center or chakra in the body. When the whole 7 chakras are open and are functioning in harmony together, you will experience what is known in the east as being one with the Universe or “Enlightenment”. Raw energy will pour forth, and you will become a dynamic and magnetic force which will attract people who are on the same level as you, whilst being able to manifest the life of your dreams.

Answer 11

The ability to sense, and react to stimuli for me is the most compelling reason to believe that something lives.