Erwin Schrödinger's slim book "What is Life?" has had a curious reception. Among some, it is counted as a foundational document of molecular biology. Others have said that its significance for the development of the field has been exaggerated. Most recently, the sins of a DNA-centric, 'programmatic' view of life forms have been laid at its door. "What is Life?" (with the subtitle "The physical aspect of the living cell") is the text version of a series of public lectures carrying the same name that Schrödinger gave in Dublin in 1943. The lectures were a hit; they were written up for publication a year later and became a best-seller. This talk will attempt to view the book in historical perspective, sketch what lies behind the diverse assessments, and situate those reasons - though only implicitly - within the sometimes fraught relationship between physics and biology.
Zoom link: https://icts-res-in.zoom.us/j/91349419590?pwd=rbabUj7G0TFDnKmaxoE3625mHKeao6.1
Meeting ID: 913 4941 9590
Passcode: 030405