The biochemistry of cell communication (Introduction)

by dhw, Friday, September 02, 2016, 12:34 (2785 days ago) @ David Turell

dhw: It is the conscious processing of information and decision-making that you refuse to distinguish from the automatic perception and final implementation of the decision.
DAVID: Of course the batter is making conscious decisions in his brain from his proprioceptive sense of knowing where all parts of his body are positioned so he can adjust his swing to the right spot at the right moment.-The scientists who believe in cellular intelligence believe that cell communities have the same proprioceptive (yeah, had to look that one up!) knowledge, and they do not share your insistence that intelligence requires a brain (although you are a dualist who believes that intelligence can exist independently of the brain once the brain is dead).
 
dhw: ...since the 1990s the Tasmanian devil has been driven almost to extinction by a highly contagious form of cancer. In just four generations, however, there has been a “remarkable” genetic shift, and “the survivors appear to have a degree of immunity to the cancer, and go on to spread their genes throughout the local population.” How can we explain this?
DAVID: Easy. There is a variability in individual immunity. Those with some immunity survive and produce young with more immunity, just as some bacteria develop a population of immune individuals by the same method. Not all bacterial immunity is lateral transfer.-Obviously there is variability, since some organisms die. The question is how this immunity comes about when there is a new threat. I suggested “that while the vast majority of the cell communities were unable to cope, a small minority worked out a solution, and once it had been found, they passed it on.” I also asked if you thought your God had programmed the immunity or personally dabbled to save the Tasmanian devil. If not, please explain how you think some organisms acquire their immunity to new threats.-DAVID: Shapiro thinks cells think. Is this panpsychism? This article tends to accept it:
http://www.thestranger.com/slog/2016/08/23/24492279/what-the-white-mans-fly-tells-us-ab...-dhw: As I understand it, there are different forms of panpsychism. I have problems identifying with the idea that everything in the universe has a mental aspect, but I have no difficulty with the idea that all living organisms think in their own different ways. Once more, I am very grateful for the integrity with which you present us with articles that run contrary to your own beliefs. Of course Shapiro is a prime example of scientists who follow the Margulis line mentioned above.
DAVID: Thank you. Shapiro's main contribution is that organisms can reorganize their DNA. I agree with that point.-Why “main” contribution? If he thinks they are able to do this consciously (not to be confused with human self-awareness), it is a mighty step forward in our understanding of how evolution works: “…intelligence is not only found in the heads of humans, but also in the roots and leaves of trees, and the movements of microorganisms, and even the inner workings or the most basic units of life.” You could hardly have a clearer statement.