I suppose that they could fix this by writing "the condition which distinguishes living organisms from inorganic objects and dead organisms," but then it would get a tiny bit circular...
Actually, defining formally life is quite tricky, especially when such things as Artificial Life
get taken into account...
edited 29th Feb '12 1:13:11 PM by Carciofus
But they seem to know where they are going, the ones who walk away from Omelas.Tomato people? Does it mean "people in permanent vegetative state", or am I misunderstanding?
If so, I would definitely say that they are alive — they have a metabolism and everything. They may lack consciousness, but bacteria are not exactly famed for it either.
One could argue (and argue, and argue, and argue...) whether that kind of life is appropriate for a human being, and whether death would not be preferable under these circumstances; but that's a whole different issue.
edited 29th Feb '12 3:08:58 PM by Carciofus
But they seem to know where they are going, the ones who walk away from Omelas.Somehow, I read the thread title and knew someone was gonna make the 42 joke. Not trite at all.
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No, no.
∃ u := The Universe
∃ t := Everything
∃ l := Life
u = t
l + u + t = 42
∴ l + 2u = 42
∴ l = 42 - 2u
Can be only one universe, so for application to reality we must make the coefficient of u +1
∴ -(1/2)l = -21 + u
∴ -Half-life = u - 21
Recall u = t
∴ Without Half Life, the total value of everything would be less by 21.
But, since "the universe + everything" would encompass the entire value of 42 (along with much more, of course), then 42 - (the universe + everything) = 0 = life.
Life = 0 = meaningless
That was the amazing part. Things just keep going.If life is meaningless, is the afterlife aftermeaningless?
Tea is best served with fellow monsters. | MALMeanwhile, Douglas Adams is turning in his grave, laughing is undead ass off at all this irony.

And here it is!
It's a bit splintered, though.
1.
the condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic objects and dead organisms, being manifested by growth through metabolism, reproduction, and the power of adaptation to environment through changes originating internally.
2.
the sum of the distinguishing phenomena of organisms, especially metabolism, growth, reproduction, and adaptation to environment.
3.
the animate existence or period of animate existence of an individual: to risk one's life; a short life and a merry one.
4.
a corresponding state, existence, or principle of existence conceived of as belonging to the soul: eternal life.
5.
the general or universal condition of human existence: Too bad, but life is like that.