How would you distinguish between living and non-living systems?
I guess I don't really think the difference between living and non-living systems is the most pertinent question. What is the reason for the question? Often we find dividing lines between the creatures worthy of rights and the creatures (sub-human) that do not deserve rights. I think a more pressing question is what is our responsibility to all-that-is and of course living systems deserve rights and our responsible behavior, but where does that leave aspects of the natural world that are not recognized as living? If we can't identify cognitive behavior amongst stones, does that mean we have no responsibility? Many people would say "heck no you don't have responsibility to rocks!!" But a) those rocks are connected to living systems so when we mine stones and minerals from the ground there is a devastating impact on the habitat and b) those rocks are part of a time scale much larger than us so who are we to decide their worth?
DNA doesn't determine race. Society does" Would you agree?
Yes, race is a construct determined by geography, culture, history (which can be stored in genetic memory), and politics.
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