> This is the crux of my argument: That all things are related; that we
> cannot speak of genes having no intent and humans as having intent. Unless
> you can say where intent arrises from, the discussion will not go beyond
> this point.
How about consciousness. IMHO, intent arises out of consciousness.
Without consciousness there are mechanisms that function and outcomes, but
no "intent". Only form and function.
> What is intent? Is it will to live, is it desire for desire,
> is it cooperative effort, is it a memetic pattern which "prefers" one
> adaptation over another? Or, do humans not have intent?
This has the makings of a whole new thread about it.
> I still say that
> if the human can choose then there is choice at the level of the gene.
>
> If the carrot is food for humans, then there is nutritive substance in the
> carrot; therefore, the entity which relates to seed as humans relate to
> carrots MUST be able to use the carrot/seed in exactly the same way as
> humans use the carrot/seed; for carrot or seed the nutritive value is
> either there or it is not. It does not arrise magically!
Okay, you're on! I'll eat a diet of just carrots and you eat a diet of
just carrot seed and we'll see who lasts longer.
The whole is more than just the sum of the parts, Brett!!! Don't forget
that!
-Prof. Tim