Contingent evolution (Introduction)

by Balance_Maintained , U.S.A., Thursday, June 26, 2014, 19:01 (3803 days ago) @ GateKeeper

Tony: You gave me two options, neither of which encapsulated what I was trying to say, but both of which contained elements of the answer. Neither are completely correct, both are partially correct. The example of the PID controller was proposed as a replacement. 
> > 
> > In a PID controller, the programmer and the person controlling the system(parents) set parameters that are correct and good, goals that should be striven for and limits that should not be crossed, the controller ("YOU") struggles against outside forces to try and maintain progress within those constraints. If the constraints were not set, things would vary wildly and spin out of control. If freedom of action was not allowed, then the controller could not adapt and would not be able to fulfill its purpose. Both the "parents" and "you" from your example are required, but neither are the complete answer individually.
> 
> GK: awesome. all this is true, and it is ALL feedbacksytems, I mean everything. But I think I asked the question incorrectly.
> 
> Does it know we are here?
> 
> Does it know we are here like a parent does a child or more like how I know I have blood, But I do not know "a particule red blood cell"?-That is a question of faith, and unknowable. Does your blood know if you are aware of it? Personally, I have faith that God is aware of us, more than aware, interested. I have no 'direct' evidence of this, particularly since I've never been invited to tea with God, nor has he ever deigned to come over for a beer and a chat. That being said, there is enough indirect evidence for me to be confident in a certain degree of interest and care... even love. -As I have repeatedly said, nothing on this planet had to be 'enjoyable'. Our eyes could only see black and white, we could be like most other animals and not derive any pleasure from food, or sex, or companionship. We could lack the reasoning abilities to be creative, expressive, and curious, or the capacity to act upon those. Yet, creatures are beautiful, food tastes delicious and smells so good, and our ears are capable of hearing the wonderful melodies of the world around us. We are able to share with each other and feel deeply. These things all demonstrate a keen interest, whether as individuals or as a species. When was the last time you cared enough about your blood to make sure that it was enjoying it's trip through your veins? Isn't all of this more like the actions of a parent that wants to give good things to their children?

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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.