Explaining natural wonders (Animals)

by dhw, Thursday, May 04, 2017, 11:59 (2759 days ago) @ David Turell

DAVID: I followed the lead you offered and found the same type of findings. All can be interpreted as automatic responses as understood from the outside of the organisms. There is no way around the alternatives we offer each other. It is 'either/or' and believe whatever you wish.

dhw: I think that in such matters belief should be based on observation rather than on wishes. And as I pointed out before, determinists (whom you resolutely oppose) can also argue that we can't tell whether intelligent behaviour is actually automatic.

DAVID: Although intelligent behaviour can be argued as under biological controls, we fully appear to have free will, and can change course intentionally on a dime.

If what "appears" to be intelligent behaviour can be understood as automatic responses “from the outside of the organisms”, what "appears" to be free will may not be free will as understood "from the outside of the organisms". Bacteria can change course on a dime. Since their course-changing enables them to solve problems, what makes you think it’s not intentional?