slime mold intelligence transfers (Introduction)

by dhw, Thursday, December 29, 2016, 13:34 (2884 days ago) @ David Turell

dhw: "Neuronal knowledge" takes us back to the question of whether intelligence is only possible in organisms that have brains. The answer according to some scientists is that it IS possible. How can we tell? Not by examining chemical processes, because even in humans the chemical processes cannot reveal the intelligence that drives them. The only way is by testing, but first we must define what we mean by intelligence, and in doing so we should bear in mind the distinction between natural and artificial intelligence, and the fact that there are different degrees of intelligence, with human self-awareness marking the highest degree that we know of. And so by intelligence I mean the autonomous ability to absorb and process information, learn, communicate, cooperate, and take decisions based on the information absorbed, processed and learned. By my definition, slime mold and bacteria are intelligent. Perhaps we can end this discussion once and for all if you give us your own definition.

DAVID: We can end this discussion by returning to my inside/outside comment. From the outside of the organisms you listed, they act as if intelligent by your definition.

It’s a pity you are not willing to give us your own definition.

DAVID: True observation, but there remains the two possibilities. Either they are actually acting intelligently by your definition or they are acting through intelligent operative information they have been given to make their responses. It is my 100% belief they act through the latter possibility.

Yes, I know your 100% belief. It runs parallel to the belief of determinists that there is no such thing as free will. Looked at from the outside, we act as if we are intelligent, but determinists say that on the inside we act according to causes entirely beyond our own control (information we have been given to make our responses). While I admire the self-confidence of those who have 100% beliefs of any kind, I can’t help feeling they may be missing something.