Defining sentient cells: Cell receptors (Introduction)

by David Turell , Thursday, March 29, 2018, 16:09 (2217 days ago) @ dhw

QUOTE: The NIDA scientists conclude that GPCRs form part of very elaborate pre-coupled macromolecular complexes. Simply put, they act as little computing devices that optimally gather and process information coming into the cell, allowing the cells to adapt and change their function. (DAVID’s bold)

DAVID’s comment: Note my bold. Cells don't think. They are sentient in that they receive sensory input and automatically compute responses. Please look at the protein molecule on the website as illustrated. Don't think a chance evolutionary process invented that molecule.

dhw: As always, you focus on the chemical processes that precede and/or accompany decisions. That is the only thing scientists can observe. They cannot observe mental processes. If we observe a large organism (= a large community of cells) deliberately solving new problems, we say it is intelligent – i.e. it thinks. Humans are the prime example. We don’t say their molecules are gathering and processing information. If it is a micro-organism, some scientists say they think, and they say that those people who claim they don’t are indulging in “large organs chauvinism”.

I agree with your scepticism concerning a “chance” evolutionary process.

Thank you for your skepticism. As for thinking humans, most of what happens every day in their bodies is entirely automatic.