Chapter 48: The Cosmic Life Spectrum: From Molecules to Galaxies

The full Life spectrum is placed on the Distinction/SelfDesc matrix, ranging from molecules through cells, organisms, ecosystems, basins, and galaxies to black holes. Stars are rigorously shown not to be alive: they possess transient distinction but no SelfDesc. Extraterrestrial life becomes a structural question—not “if” but “where along the spectrum”—and the organism/ecosystem/basin taxonomy provides three canonical scales of Life organization.