Molecular self-assembly is a phenomenon whereby molecules assemble themselves in certain conformations due to forces of attraction and repulsion, and when allowed to happen naturally the resulting structure is the lowest energy conformation. It's an uber-interesting research area that I wrote a paper on for my Surface Science in Catalysis and Nanotechnology module. Over and over again I came across this notion held by scientists in this field that life essentially amounted to the right molecules in the right order in the right environment. And I was disappointed. Is life is a string of molecules?
A scientist named Leroy Cronin at the University of Glasgow is working on this (rather cool) experiment to make viable Inorganic Chemical Cells, iChells as he calls them. The idea at its simplest level is to put a few basic inorganic molecules together that will combine to form larger structures by molecular self-assembly. The lower energy structures will dominate and form a cell without the smallest hint of carbon that can metabolize, move, grow and replicate like any other biological cell. These iChells in this exact form, which he calls 'Inorganic Life' do not exist yet. But if they do one day exist, then it means that all there is to life is the right molecules in the right order in the right environment. And if life made in a lab could be "conscious", then consciousness would not be some sort of magic ingredient. Cogito ergo sum. The only thing we'd know that exists for sure is molecular interaction (of fake or real molecules). Descartes would turn in his grave, and for good reason.
Enshrined in philosophy is the (unproved) notion that an idea has the highest probability of existence. I think, therefore I am. To say that the idea is a result of molecular interaction, that molecular ordering is the essence of life, is to almost destroy the sanctity of the idea. That is because the idea now has to be preceded by molecular interaction. You have to have the molecules before you can have the idea. Yet, you can't prove molecules exist. Its paradoxical plain and simple. With cogito ergo sum you could (almost) rely on your thoughts actually existing. With molecular ordering, since you cannot prove molecules exist with any degree of certainty, you cannot prove ideas exist with any degree of certitude either. And if the existence of molecules is accepted, then life is reduced to molecular ordering.
Enshrined in philosophy is the (unproved) notion that an idea has the highest probability of existence. I think, therefore I am. To say that the idea is a result of molecular interaction, that molecular ordering is the essence of life, is to almost destroy the sanctity of the idea. That is because the idea now has to be preceded by molecular interaction. You have to have the molecules before you can have the idea. Yet, you can't prove molecules exist. Its paradoxical plain and simple. With cogito ergo sum you could (almost) rely on your thoughts actually existing. With molecular ordering, since you cannot prove molecules exist with any degree of certainty, you cannot prove ideas exist with any degree of certitude either. And if the existence of molecules is accepted, then life is reduced to molecular ordering.
First science said we didn't have a soul; consciousness is housed in the brain. Now it says life is the right molecules, in the right place, at the right time. Is there meaning in molecular interaction? Consequently, is there a point to life? The notion that you define the meaning and purpose of your own life is empowering to an extent. However, I still find the idea of the magic and mystery of life being reduced to a string of molecules to be depressing. Honestly i'd rather the meaning of life be hilarious frivolities like 42 in Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy fashion, or heck even chocolate (Siri said that, not me!). At least there's awe, wonder and an unanswered question to look forward to every morning.
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