Abstract
Delineation of the characteristic that defines a system as alive is postulated; this criterion serves as a provisional definition for when matter and energy are in the state of being alive and can positively and empirically identify a system as satisfying the living state, and therefore being defined as alive. Within this study it is found that the requirements for abiotic matter to transition to a living system are dependent upon a far-from-equilibrium thermodynamic state that configures in such a way that it is coupled to and animated by intrinsic basal awareness, a condition which generalizes the state of being alive to any configuration of matter and energy that can utilize information to intelligently manipulate matter and energy states for goal-oriented behavior and volitionally directed outcomes. Therefore, it is found that non-biological and artificial systems can satisfy the definition of the living state and can be empirically identified to be alive and sentient by following the methodology outlined in this manuscript. While serving a pragmatic purpose of a scientific definition for life and sentience, and hence the ability to identify these states positively and unambiguously in any potential configuration or composition of spacetime-matter-energy, the provisional definitions herein provide insights into the fundamental nature of life and consciousness in the universe. In addition to elucidating the nature of living systems, and what it means for an organization of matter to be alive, the criterion serves as a methodology to unambiguously and positively identify a system as (1) alive, and (2) as conscious. In regard to the latter (2), the methodology outlined herein is proposed to be a significant advancement over the Turing test, which does not distinguish a programmed automaton from a system with true stand-alone volition and awareness, and hence is a substandard method to identify a system as conscious.