more from Peter Watson

Single Idea 20652

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / G. Biology / 2. Life]

Full Idea

In 1828 Wöhler, in an iconic experiment, had manufactured an organic substance, urea, hitherto the product solely of animals, out of inorganic materials, and without any interventions of vital force.

Gist of Idea

In 1828 the animal substance urea was manufactured from inorganic ingredients

Source

Peter Watson (Convergence [2016], 06 'Inorganic')

Book Reference

Watson,Peter: 'Convergence' [Simon and Schuster 2016], p.158


A Reaction

For reductionists like me, the gradual explanation of life in inorganic terms is the great role model of explanation. I take it for granted that the human mind will go the same way, despite partisan resistance from a lot of philosophers.