Cell response to electric field (Introduction)

by David Turell , Friday, April 05, 2013, 18:05 (4251 days ago) @ dhw

dhw: Although this is a red letter day, with David and George actually joining forces, I must stress that I've never used the word "mind", as it has far too many human associations. "Intelligence" in inverted commas is the best I can do, and this is NOT to be equated with human thought or self-awareness. -OK, what do you mean by the word "intelligence"? There are millions of molecules in a single cell. They are stimulated by various modalities including chemical and electrical. They are built to automatically respond. The planning for this activity is coded into DNA, RNA and the rest of the genome. Is this your 'intelligence'? The 'mental' planning that created the code is a different issue. It is where we bog down in the debate. That code could not have created itelf by chance, as we have agreed. Conjuring up a vague 'intelligence' really begs the question, as I have repeatedly pointed out. Nagel simply defines the problem, and gives no answer, and you are immitating him. Unfortunately for your position, molecules are built to react, not have any type of 'mental' charcteristic. They are simply a form of cog wheel. Your automobile engine responds intelligently to your commands. What is the difference?