A dissipative system is a system that is driven far from equilibrium by
continuous energy flow through the system. The order formation which takes place
within the system is the result of a meta-balance betweeen the flow created by
the energy consumption and the inner resistance created by the continuous
entropy production. All living systems are dissipative, but not all dissipative
systems are living.
Far-from-equilibrium self-organization is characterized by 1) external energy
flow dependency 2) the ability to fully go out existence and re-emerge.
Both 1 and 2 contradicts the living organization. In order to be living the
system must cybernetically control its self-sustainment. This process defines
the identity of the system and going out of existence is DEATH to the system. It
cannot die and re-emerge without losing its identity. Thus, life is a special
kind of dissipative system. Such a system is autopoietic.
What is needed to transform the energy flow of a dissipative system from
an external variable to an internal? This requires the existence of multiple
dissipative components. Viewed in isolation each of these components are
controlled by some external source. These external control systems are the
*other* dissipative components. The external energy control variable has been
internalized by canalizing the energy flow into a ring, like an Escher
waterfall. This closed system is an autopoietic ring.
There is redundancy in the autopoietic organization, which means it is slightly
holographic. This makes the autopoietic system homeostatic. The redundancy in
organization allows the system to compensate for some deformation of the system.
There are two kinds of deformation. 1) the natural degeneration of order in
dissipative systems and 2) externally imposed degeneration. The autopoietic
system is able to fully compensate for 1 and, within certain limits, 2.
The autopoietic system is both qualitatively and quantitatively distinguished
from other dissipative systems. 1) the circular organization balances out the
out-of-equilibrium time production and therefore does not experience time. 2) it
is much, much more unlikely that an autopoietic system will reappear from
nothing (if killed) than it is for a dissipative system.
Hope this clearifies a little bit on the origins of life.
Onar.