Hatrack River Forum: A simple question of Sickness...

This is topic A simple question of Sickness... in forum Discussions About Orson Scott Card at Hatrack River Forum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
http://www.hatrack.com/ubb/main/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=003080

Posted by X12 (Member # 5867) on :

Blunt and brief:

Is the descolada 'virus' alive?

To me, there is an impression that is is simply alive in the Speaker books.

Posted by Griffin (Member # 7166) on :

Good question X12,
Everyone knows that according to the definition of a virus, a virus isn't living.
But does the descolada seem alive?
I don't know, I would have to read the series again.
I'll think about the virus being "alive" next time I read the series.

Griffin

Posted by RoyHobbs (Member # 7594) on :

I believe the conclusion reached by the scientists is that it is alive, but that it is varelse and therefore must be dramatically altered (destroyed [Wink]

Posted by Orson Scott Card (Member # 209) on :

It is artificial life. That is, it is based on viruses that evolved naturally, but has been so altered that it is far more accurately called a machine - like a catapult made entirely of organic material, but no longer functioning like any of the components did when they were alive.