Basic Questions About the Origins of Life: Proceedings of the Erice International School of Complexity (Fourth Course)

摘要

This Special Issue of Origins of Life and Evolution of Biospheres contains in more detailed form the oral contributions presented at the 4th Course of the International School of Complexity, hold in Erice (Italy) from 1 to 6 October 2006. Alan Schwartz generously offered this space to record the various “answers” to the Basic Questions on the Origins of Life, given by the participants. The Erice meeting was characterized by a novel format: speakers were not requested to illustrate their own work as is usually the case. On the contrary, it was expected that each speaker provides an answer or a comment to a specific question/statement, chosen from the list of nine given below. As with all innovations, the new format was only partially successful, but a considerable number of contributions matched well with the spirit of the event. Considering the originality of the format, we are pleased with the current collection of papers presented in this Special Issue, also in view of their scientific quality. Some of the questions/statements were given in a provocative fashion, and in fact several authors actually contradicted them, often providing opposite viewpoints and arguments on the basis of theoretical or experimental findings. This Special Issue shows a considerable diversity both in form and length, but beyond this heterogeneity, the reading of it already gives an idea of the depth and complexity of the questions which are still unanswered in the field of the origin of life. To conclude this foreword, and before illustrating the Basic Questions proposed in Erice, we would like to thank all the participants and the speakers. Thanks to their efforts and kindness, the Erice meeting was a profitable event to exchange ideas, comments, stimulating scientific discussion, and to build a community. We are also very grateful to the “Ettore Majorana” Foundation and Centre for the Scientific Culture, that has hosted and supported the meeting; Mrs. Fiorella Ruggiu, the Manager of the Centre, with all her team, is particularly acknowledged for her precious assistance in organizing the event.