On 7/19/06, Robert Holmes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Not strictly true I think. Sure, Linux can't run without a PC but does that > mean it can't exist without one? Linux started its existence in Torvalds' > head before it appeared on a CPU and if all CPUs vanished tomorrow it would > still exist in his and other experts heads. > > Similarly, who says I can't have a mind without a body? Won't it carry on > existing in the mind of the Intelligent Designer?
The problem here is the same problem virtually every discussion of consciousness has, which is that a certain degree of mysticism inevitably develops. The good side is that it happens so often because there's probably really something there of some kind; the bad side is that once you get on that tangent having a logical discussion becomes quite difficult, and avoiding religion becomes almost impossible. I think avoiding religion in discussion is a good principle just because it means you can avoid offending people. (This is the same reason I try not to mention Smalltalk.) -- Giles Bowkett http://www.gilesgoatboy.org ============================================================ FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College lectures, archives, unsubscribe, maps at http://www.friam.org
