The Concept of Life in Modern Biology: A Theoretical Analysis of the Boundary between Living Things and Artificial Systems

Abstract

This article examines the conceptual challenges surrounding the definition of life in modern biology, focusing on the boundaries between living organisms and artificial systems. The development of artificial life and synthetic biology challenges traditional definitions of life, which are based on classical biological features such as metabolism, reproduction, and homeostasis. Using a qualitative-philosophical approach through an in-depth literature review of theoretical biology, philosophy of biology, and artificial life research, this article maps contemporary debates about what constitutes “life.” A conceptual-reflective analysis is conducted to evaluate various definitions proposed in the recent literature, including those emphasizing the emergent nature of complex systems, open evolution, and the dynamic nature of organizational patterns. The results demonstrate that life is not simply a collection of empirical features but also encompasses organizational structures capable of autonomous self-maintenance through internal interactions with their environment. The phenomenon of artificial life provides important insights that features such as adaptation, evolution, and self-organization are not exclusive to natural biological entities, thus raising the need for a more inclusive and reflective definitional framework. In conclusion, the concept of life in modern biology is pluralistic and spectral, demanding an understanding that integrates empirical and philosophical approaches and opens up discussion for the integration of artificial life into contemporary theoretical biology. These findings have conceptual, methodological, and ethical implications for the future development of biology.