  The rapidly increasing interest in the quantum properties of living matter
stimulates a discussion of the fundamental properties of life as well as
quantum mechanics. In this discussion often concepts are used that originate in
philosophy and ask for a philosophical analysis. In the present work the
classic philosophical tradition based on Aristotle and Aquinas is employed
which surprisingly is able to shed light on important aspects. Especially one
could mention the high degree of unity in living objects and the occurrence of
thorough qualitative changes. The latter are outside the scope of classical
physics where changes are restricted to geometrical rearrangement of
microscopic particles. A challenging approach is used in the philosophical
analysis as the empirical evidence is not taken from everyday life but from
20th century science (quantum mechanics) and recent results in the field of
quantum biology. In the discussion it is argued that quantum entanglement is
possibly related to the occurrence of life. Finally it is recommended that
scientists and philosophers should be open for dialogue that could enrich both.
Scientists could redirect their investigation, as paradigm shifts like the one
originating from philosophical evaluation of quantum mechanics give new insight
about the relation between the whole en the parts. Whereas philosophers could
use scientific results as a consistency check for their philosophical framework
for understanding reality.
