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#1
08-01-2005, 12:27 PM
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Is a computer virus alive?
At a basic level, a computer virus is a self-replicating group of particles. Isn't that essentially our definition of a life form?
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#2
08-01-2005, 12:34 PM
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Re: Is a computer virus alive?
No.
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#3
08-01-2005, 12:41 PM
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Re: Is a computer virus alive?
How would you distinguish it from a biological virus, which I assume everyone will agree is alive?
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#4
08-01-2005, 12:45 PM
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Re: Is a computer virus alive?
[ QUOTE ]
biological virus, which I assume everyone will agree is alive? [/ QUOTE ] This also isnt true. Viruses have this sort of nebulous definition that fits in between the living and the non-living worlds.
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#5
08-01-2005, 12:55 PM
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Re: Is a computer virus alive?
[ QUOTE ]
At a basic level, a computer virus is a self-replicating group of particles. Isn't that essentially our definition of a life form? [/ QUOTE ] i reckon any definition of life is arbitrary, and hence this is just a simple definition question tell me you're definition of life and i'll give you your answer
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#6
08-01-2005, 01:09 PM
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Re: Is a computer virus alive?
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ] biological virus, which I assume everyone will agree is alive? [/ QUOTE ] This also isnt true. Viruses have this sort of nebulous definition that fits in between the living and the non-living worlds. [/ QUOTE ] I just did some searching, and it appears that many scientists do in fact resist classifying biological viruses as life forms. Here is what I am using as a definition of life: A being is alive if it can (1) reproduce, (2) consume energy, and (3) stop consuming energy(i.e., die). I was under the impression that this was a generally accepted definition of life. Using this definition, both a computer virus and a biological virus seem to qualify. Is my definition somehow lacking?
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#7
08-01-2005, 01:14 PM
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Re: Is a computer virus alive?
How does a computer virus consume energy?
Also, how does a regular virus consume energy? They dont eat. (its the host cell that does all the work for them)
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#8
08-01-2005, 01:32 PM
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Re: Is a computer virus alive?
[ QUOTE ]
A being is alive if it can (1) reproduce, (2) consume energy, and (3) stop consuming energy(i.e., die). I was under the impression that this was a generally accepted definition of life [/ QUOTE ] Fire fits this definition, but it is not alive. Fire is a chemical reaction. I have seen a definition list that has your criteria plus half a dozen more and fire still qualified. From what I remember from basic bio classes, as mentioned, even a biological virus is in the shady area. This is due to a virus' incomplete DNA (RNA?) structure...it needs a host to become "alive".
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#9
08-01-2005, 04:04 PM
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Re: Is a computer virus alive?
A computer virus fits my definition and idea of life. As would randomly generating code.
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#10
08-02-2005, 01:49 AM
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Re: Is a computer virus alive?
[ QUOTE ]
A computer virus fits my definition and idea of life. As would randomly generating code. [/ QUOTE ] What's your definition?
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