Intelligence & Evolution (Evolution)

by dhw, Saturday, November 23, 2013, 17:00 (4017 days ago) @ David Turell

dhw: Each innovation/ adaptation represents an individual decision by cell communities, thus leading to the colossal variety of life and lifestyles this planet has worked its way through. Do you really believe a fairly basic computer programme inserted into the first living cells could have accomplished this?-DAVID: I do. And it is not intelligence, as I have just pointed out. It is information as life's plan plus an intelligent computer program in DNA to carry it out. We are the result of a living computer. You are missing the point. What I admit I cannot determine is total preprogramming or some dabbling. We still don't know enough about the intricacies of DNA/RNA controls over gene expression to make more accurate guesses. Genes only code for protein, but the production and intergration of protein into functional living organs is an enormous jump from there. We are just now beginning to get some sense of the size of comtrols over that jump, and the final jump to running the functionality of the program of that organ by more information or plans in the DNA. Crick's postulate that genes made proteins is correct, but is a narrow statement that shows he couldn't think beyond the end of his nose. Protein manufacture is just a very tiny smidgen of the living process. You do not seem to understand this, based on our previous discussions. Tony understands.-I do not believe that Margulis, Shapiro, Albrecht-Buehler & Co would dispute what you say about the intricacies of the various production and integration processes, and I would not dream of doing so. I dispute your insistence that the cell is an automaton, and that every single step from eukaryotes to humans was either preprogrammed in the first living cells or the result of God's intervention. You have acknowledged that we are barely beginning to understand the mechanism that controls the behaviour of cells, and yet you state with the greatest authority that it is not intelligence. I have quoted several experts in the field who state that it IS intelligence. You have acknowledged that your theory concerning preprogramming and divine dabbling is entirely of your own making, and you cannot cite a single biochemist who supports it. I admire your courage in standing alone against the scientific world, but courage, faith and authoritative statements are not enough to win over an old sceptic like me.