The term life denotes the organic functioning of plants, animals and men. Life and → death are the opposite categories basic to all living things; both categories relate to and interpret the other. Human life is unique. It is not merely instinctive but is capable of self-realization and open to formative influences. In Gk. a distinction is made between zōē which tends to mean life as a vital, natural force, and bios which has a stronger ethical content and means manner of life. It is instructive