How bio-friendly is the universe?

@article{Davies2003HowBI,
  title={How bio-friendly is the universe?},
  author={P. C. W. Davies},
  journal={International Journal of Astrobiology},
  year={2003},
  volume={2},
  pages={115 - 120}
}
  • P. Davies
  • Published 1 April 2003
  • Philosophy
  • International Journal of Astrobiology
The oft-repeated claim that life is ‘written into’ the laws of nature is examined and criticised. Arguments are given in favour of life spreading between near-neighbour planets in rocky impact ejecta (transpermia), but against panspermia, leading to the conclusion that if life is indeed found to be widespread in the universe, some form of life principle or biological determinism must be at work in the process of biogenesis. Criteria for what would constitute a credible life principle are… 
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