Natures wonders: Crocodile tools (Introduction)

by Balance_Maintained , U.S.A., Wednesday, December 11, 2013, 06:03 (3998 days ago) @ David Turell


> > dhw: You juggle with two types of information: information in the genetic code, and information we absorb and process from our contact with the outside world. Whenever I want to discuss the mechanism (intelligence) which deals with the latter, you switch to the former and ask for its source. 
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>David: That is because I want you to clearly make the distinction. I know there are both kinds of information as you do, but I am insisting that in the simple organisms, what looks like intelligence is really programs running on information in the genome, and those programs respond to information the sensory mechanism pick up.
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> -Even a simple computer program can learn new routines.-
> > dhw; Once again, it is the non-instinctive element that I am focusing on. We agree that human intelligence is vastly more developed than that of other organisms, but that does not mean other organisms are not intelligent. 
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> David: At the advanced level like corvids, dogs, apes, yes they have some simple intelligence.-At about the same level of some computer programs. Corvids display basic facial recognition software, others display basic varieties of pathfinding or flocking software, all of which can be pre-programmed to account for changing conditions. 
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> > dhw: Of course you have every right to dismiss the research of those specialists who believe bacteria to be intelligent. Any concessions for my friends the ant-teachers?
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>David: I agree they instruct, but perhaps by instinct only.-Again, look at basic computer AI, none of which comes remotely close to simulating the degree of intelligence found in humans.

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What is the purpose of living? How about, 'to reduce needless suffering. It seems to me to be a worthy purpose.