That collection of cells bathed in their waterborne chemical bath and integrated into an individual we call a human has at the upper level "that which is conscious. And our organism will mercilessly sacrifice individual cells for the good of the larger unit. Doesn't even think about it.
Some insects, bees and ants for instance, will also sacrifice individuals for the greater good. No apparent thought about it. Their consciousness, that part of them which can set goals and directions and makes decisions, resides with the larger collection of individuals along with the chemical bath which is outside those chitin walls.
In that case, is there an IT which is conscious in the way you and I are conscious? Where does that consciousness reside? (As far as that goes, where does it reside in you and me?) How far does the nest or hive have to decline in order for the collective drive to be extinguished? What does that consciousness look like, of what is it aware, does it predict, how does it compute?
Fascinating.
Off Topic » in reply to re: The knowledge of good and evil, and other primate limitations.
Consciousness, collective consciousness and ego, that which is conscious.
The whole thread (30 posts)
- Among the Coela
- The knowledge of good and evil, and other primate limitations.
- "Sessile hermaphroditic colonial polyps"