[MD] Do genes experience?

[Platt Holden]

Hi All,

The main premise of the MOQ is that reality is Quality and Quality is 
direct experience prior to thought. The question that has been asked 
and kicked around on this site before is, "How far down the chain of 
being does direct experience go?" Since reality goes all the way down 
to quantum particles, direct experience must also go down to that  
level if Pirsig's theory is to hold up. Old timers on this site will 
remember the discussion of the question, "Are atoms aware?"

Now comes an article in the "Times" of London that discusses the 
implications of Steven Pinker's selfish gene in which the author 
suggests it's not out of the question to attribute experience to genes, 
the building blocks of life saying, "It seems to me that if information-
processing gives us a good explanation of the states of knowing and 
wanting that are embodied in the hunk of matter called a human brain, 
there is no principled reason to avoid attributing states of knowing 
and wanting to other hunks of matter."

What follows gets into computer science which I find hard to follow but 
will be meaningful I'm sure to Arlo, Ian, Horse and others practiced in 
the field. In any case, all participants here should find the article 
of interest in that it goes to the heart of Pirsig's MOQ premise. You 
can find it at:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,1-1461-2066881-
1461,00.html

As always, comments welcome.

Regards,
Platt