[MD] Levels in electronic computers

[Krimel]

[Ian]
I'l give you brittle in the sense that any one definition can't stand
firm as "the definition" ... but the existence of two levels stands up
to the test.

[Krimel]
I mean brittle in the sense that if you put much weight on it, it snaps. I
don't think any formulation of levels that are discrete and in conflict can
support much weight at all. As rules of thumb sure, works fine. But a
metaphysical foundation... no so much.

[Ian]
You are just arguing the definition of the word organic .... it means
like an organism ... carbon biology is just the form that has arisen
on earth so far. ie A-Life will be "life" if it is organic ....
whether the "biology" is carbon-based or not or organic patterns in
some other medium (that is the "other thing" we're talking about).
It's that definition of organic we've been debating against Magnus
"3D-Fit" view.

[Krimel]
I think the way you have played fast and loose with the term "life" in the
past kind of trivializes the whole notion. A concept life works to the
extent that we can use is to apply to patterns that are "lifelike" as we
detect new patterns we attempt to assimilate them into the concept. If and
when we discover or invent a pattern that is "lifelike" but does not fit our
concept of "life" then the concept will have to be change to accommodate the
new pattern. That hasn't happen yet but it might. But if such a thing is
found or invented then it will not necessarily follow the same set of levels
steps or rules that apply to conventional biological life. It is did then it
would be assimilated and not require accommodation.

[Adrie}
The word brittle and the possible implications of "brittle", i have a
proposal, Krimel.
should it not be considered to think about "transparant" as an option? it is
only a proposal.

{Krimel]
I don't really see the connection but perhaps you could explain in a bit
more detail.