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Is life improbable?

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Abstract

E. P. Wigner's argument that the probability of the existence of self-reproducing units, e.g., organisms, is zero according to standard quantum theory is stated and analyzed. Theorems are presented which indicate that Wigner's mathematical result in fact should not be interpreted as asserting the improbability of self-reproducing units.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematics, Yale University, 06520, New Haven, Connecticut

    John C. Baez

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  1. John C. Baez
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Baez, J.C. Is life improbable?. Found Phys 19, 91–95 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00737768

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00737768

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