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Project Progress

The group has a strong interest in both the physical and meta-physical meanings of quantum theory. Combining this with the ABRC interest in the formation and operation of transition metal containing catalysts has lead to the development of a hypothesis by which quantum attributes of small scale systems is perceived as being a salient feature of catalysis. Briefly, the quantum process of decoherence, or the transition from the quantum to the classical may be treated as a type of measurement process and the determinants of quantum decoherence may also exist as determinants of catalytic processes. This level of inquiry is applicable both in biology in modern day enzymes – and as proposed by work conducted herein – may have been active in the chemistry thought to have occurred at prebiotic mineral surfaces and led to the emergence of life. In addition to this work, a philosophical approach is being taken to the analysis of existing origins of life theory. In this project, plausible histories of life and origins are compared and contrasted in a manner through which major epistemic differences between the theories may become apparent; namely comparison reveals the division amongst theories at the level of organization from organization and spontaneous organization. Through the lens of evolutionary epistemology, these differences may ultimately be perceived as being the result of differentiated groups of scientists arriving – through the best of their abilities – at alternate scenarios that are the result of differing theoretical contexts and scientific expertise and bias. This area of inquiry addresses the possible complementarity and or exclusivity of given theories. The work conducted at the ABRC origins of life focus group relates strongly and will impact origins of life theorists and scientists both at NAI nodes and beyond. Results from the group have been presented at a number of international conferences including the 2008 ISSOL and EANA conferences. Moreover, the group is actively participating in the formation of a special philosophy section at the upcoming AbSciCon. In addition to these conferences, the group has presented work at the NAI seminar series and has invited input from attendees where it is hoped that interaction across nodes may be spurred.