Bacterial Intelligence? (General)

by dhw, Tuesday, January 27, 2015, 20:32 (3589 days ago) @ David Turell

dhw: The fact that some experts in the field detect a high degree of intelligence even in single-celled organisms lends credence to the idea, even if you are determined to dismiss their research. Please tell me how you personally can know that organisms which look intelligent and have all the attributes of intelligence (which I listed) are actually machines - the very prejudice that was criticized by participants in the discussion.-DAVID: Because I look at the issue differently as explained above. Previously, I especially noted the response in the discussion that presented bacterial response actions at a molecular level. I am looking theoretically at the control mechanisms in the genome, the copious instructions (information) that guides the processes. That information was not developed by chance. your favored discussants prefer to ignore that issue.-You have stated that bacteria “look intelligent but are actually acting more as automatons”. I have asked how you know, and your response is that this is how you look at the issue. How does “looking theoretically” at theoretical instructions theoretically placed in the genome by your theoretical god enable you to tell the difference between an organism that LOOKS intelligent and an organism that IS intelligent? And would you accept the same argument from someone who used it to dismiss the concept of free will?