> 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.
This is exactly what Dennett's _Consciousness Explained_ is all about. I
think he probably does a better job than anyone on this list can manage,
certainly better than I could, so I'll leave it to him. If anyone who's
read _Consciousness Explained_ thinks they can improve on or poke holes in
his model, though, I'd love to see what they have to say.
Eva