Life
Life
Life
Definitions
The definition of life has long been a challenge for scientists and philosophers.[9][10][11] This is partially
because life is a process, not a substance.[12][13][14] This is complicated by a lack of knowledge of the
characteristics of living entities, if any, that may have developed outside of Earth.[15][16] Philosophical
definitions of life have also been put forward, with similar difficulties on how to distinguish living
things from the non-living.[17] Legal definitions of life have also been described and debated, though
these generally focus on the decision to declare a human dead, and the legal ramifications of this
decision.[18] As many as 123 definitions of life have been compiled.[19]