Scientists discover largest bacteria-eating virus. It blurs line between living and nonliving.

[admin]

Huge bacteria-killing viruses lurk in ecosystems around the world from hot springs to freshwater lakes and rivers.

Scientists discover largest bacteria-eating virus. It blurs line between living and nonliving. : Read more

 

[William Pennat]

It's absurd not to include viruses in the category of living organisms. The main criterion for the definition of "life" should be goal-directed behavior and viruses certainly exhibit that. Just another example of the limitations of "science" as currently defined and practiced. In his book Mind and Cosmos philosopher Thomas Nagel argues for the inclusion of teleology or purposeful action as one of the aspects of the world that can be studied by science. Doing so would definitely place viruses where they belong, in the category of living things.