Dear All, I've been lurking for a while while I try to figure out something useful to contribute, but figured you should at least know I'm here... I'm a postdoctoral research fellow at Cambridge (UK), working in palaeontology - specifically, the early evolution of various invertebrate groups, and the relationship of physiochemical environmental factors to evolutionary patterns. I also have an outside interest in such matters as self-organised criticality, in relation to the origin and evolution of life. I have a slightly mathematical background, in that I intended to pursue theoretical physics before discovering as an undergrad that I enjoyed looking at fossils even more. I have practically no background in computing. My interest in this area lies primarily in the philosophical perspective, and I admit, in a somewhat less rigorous style than I've experienced here. Saibal invited me to this list after reading some comments on another message board discussing whether information merely describes physicality, or actually defines it. My approach to the area is largely non-mathematical, involving mainstream philosophy, and a large pinch of oriental philosophical/religious aspects combined with parapsychology. As you can imagine, it has been difficult trying to usefully find a way into the discussions!
As a brief introduction to the sorts of things I've been reading, try: Penrose, R. The emperors's new mind. Capra, F. The Tao of Physics Dennett, D. Consciousness Explained Evolution books by Steve Jones, Dawkins, Gould etc., as well as a large number of specialised papers on Proterozoic and early Phanerozoic evolution. Complexity and chaos-based books, including those by Kauffman, Lewin and Gleick Various oriental texts, but particularly the Wen Tzu, Tao Te Ching, poems of Li Po, "Cultivating Stillness" David-Neel, A. With mystics and Magicians in Tibet Plus several of the "classic" books on philosophy - Hume, Berkeley, Descartes, and anything else I can find, for background. For the parapsychological side, try the Journal of the Society for Psychical Research (very mixed content, but some definitely interesting bits - I recommend browsing) As you can tell, this is a slightly unorthodox selection. However, I am, like you, a professional scientist, so please try to think of it merely as a different approach to the same problems, rather than a frivolous pursuit to be immediately dismissed! I look forward to the point when I can follow your arguments fully enough to be able to join in... All the best, Joe Botting --------------------------------------------- Department of Earth Sciences University of Cambridge Downing Street Cambridge CB2 3EQ Phone: ( +44 ) 1223 333400 Fax: ( +44 ) 1223 333450
