philosophy of science: meaning and functions (Introduction)

by Balance_Maintained , U.S.A., Wednesday, September 12, 2018, 18:44 (2045 days ago) @ dhw

TONY: OK, before I answer all of these, I am NOT talking about cells, nor stating that atoms are self-aware. Please don't misrepresent my argument as agreeing with either of those statements.

Before you answer, let me emphasize that I am not deliberately misrepresenting your arguments. I found this whole section nebulous, but in fact the second part actually seemed clear to me, as follows:

TONY: 5: It reached a point where it realized that it could not grow further in isolation (became aware of the possibility of reproduction)
6: It reproduced for the first time. (First direct creation)
7: It helped its spawn grow its awareness.

dhw: This appeals to me, in view of my hypothesis of cellular intelligence! If the first spawn were single cells, it gave them a degree of consciousness.

DHW:You talk of reproduction and spawn, the first direct creation and growing awareness, and you have agreed previously that the first life forms were single cells. If I have misunderstood the logic of this, I’m sorry, but part of our discussion entails clarifying our terms, so do please explain what you meant by the first direct creation, the spawn and the spawn’s growing awareness.

I'll respond more fully when I am back at my computer, but perhaps the most clarifying statement I can make is this: I agree that the first carbon basedlife were in the form of single called organisms. That doesn't preclude the possibility of life in other forms, such as living energy.

--
What is the purpose of living? How about, 'to reduce needless suffering. It seems to me to be a worthy purpose.