slime mold intelligence transfers (Introduction)

by David Turell , Sunday, January 01, 2017, 21:14 (2881 days ago) @ dhw

DAVID: I fully understand your definition of intelligence and it fits the function of single-celled animals. I use the same definition as you, and your acceptance of the 50/50 observation I use, in an indirect way admits that I might be right 50/50.

dhw: No problem, so long as you acknowledge that I too might be right.

Can't do that. I sincerely believe you are wrong.

DAVID: I have pointed out over and over that all that is ever found is molecular reactions when looking inside. Those reactions are guided by information in all the layers of the genome, only a portion of which are fully understood so far. My opinion of 100% is my prediction for the endpoint of full understanding of how living cells work.

DAVID: 'Alternative unproven explanations' are nebulous propositions. They may fit your logical review of factual material, but they do not fit my logical interpretations. We will remain apart.

dhw: There is nothing nebulous about my hypothetical explanation (cellular intelligence), just as there is nothing nebulous about your prejudice (cells are all automatons). My objection is to the fact that you constantly state your own unproven prejudices as if they were facts, and you refuse to acknowledge that unproven alternatives are possible. However, the comments above are somewhat more moderate in tone - particularly the reference to the logic of my hypothesis. Thank you.

I'm afraid I do not consider any cells capable of what you propose. I continue to present living biochemistry that is too complex for cells to develop or invent on their own. You are counting on comments by Shapiro on his research that show simple responses to stimuli or alterations of DNA by single-celled organisms to make small adjustments. This cannot translate to having cell communities design the changes in gaps of the whale series as one of the best examples of complex evolution.