[MD] Science Wars

[Arlo Bensinger]

[Platt quotes Pirsig]
"We see that he's conducting his experiments for exactly the same 
purpose as the subatomic forces had when they first began to create 
him (a scientist) billions of years ago." (Lila, 11-parens added)

[Arlo]
Since I had said this.

"Choice" by lower level patterns does not  translate into "intent" in 
the emergence of higher level patterns. That single cell organisms 
respond to DQ biologically- exercise  "choice" within the limitations 
and constraints of their  construction- does not mean that the 
appearance of human bodies was intentional."

I assume your contention is meant to proclaim that those subatomic 
particles had the "intent" or "plan" to make a scientist? Where did 
that intent reside? In the subatomic particles? Since subatomic 
particles do not have "minds" or "brains", where exactly does this 
"intent" reside?

Since "man" is so much more evolved than, say, algae, why would 
subatomic particles, given their ability to make such intentional 
plans and carry them out continue to create algae when they could 
turn themselves into a chemistry professor instead?

Indeed, if a billion years ago these subatomic particles had the 
intent to make a chemistry professor, why did they wait a billion 
years? Why not just make one then? Why mess around with dinosaurs and 
primates and all that?

Of course, its ridiculous to propose that subatomic particles had any 
"intent" or "plan" to make a chemistry professor. "Chemistry 
professors" are the unintentional consequences of a host-load of 
collective activity among a variety of patterns; beginning with 
inorganic patterns and stretching to intellectual patterns. But 
"intent" is no where in this mix. Its an absurd and indefensible claim to make.

But try to answer (you won't). Where exactly did your proposed 
"intent" reside a billion years ago? In the mind of a subatomic 
particle? Or is free-will and choice completely out the window and 
"intent" is simply the universe unfolding according to some 
predetermined "plan" of God? (Which, let me guess, has always been to 
bring about the Wonderous and Glorious "Man"?)

No intent. Unintended consequences. AHA!