The Continuum of Beings: All Intelligence Is Collective Intelligence | Michael Levin

TALK ABSTRACT
Each of us has made the remarkable journey from a single cell (a quiescent oocyte) to a complex embodied mind. How do cells, which were once independent organisms, work together to pursue the anatomical and physiological goals that enable form and function to reliably self-assemble? In this talk, I will tell the story of the collective intelligence of cellular swarms that embodies William James' definition of intelligence: same ends by different means. I will describe the amazing competencies of the morphogenetic process that builds bodies and minds, and our discoveries on bioelectricity - the cognitive glue that implements embryogenesis, regeneration, and cancer suppression. I will end with a perspective on how biophysical, informational, and behavioral sciences are coming together to redefine the boundaries of the possible in biomedicine and beyond.

MICHAEL LEVIN

SEMF NETWORKS

[Putersdcat]

I really enjoy this line of thought, and your work in general. I was sad the video ended. But at the same time it was a good stopping point for a complete thought and something to now contemplate further while we ( my collective self) waits for the next video .

[Conservative]

Wow that was amazing! Watching a single cell organism literally consuming and surviving! A lot to be said right there. That speaks volumes just via observing its behaviors!! 🤙❤️

[missh]

Is it possible for the single cell to mimic the human that had been handling it? Can the breath from human be enough to give the single cell potential? Does a single cell mimic only some of the potential a human had given it?

[leonardoawen]

7:29 - in fact um I think all intelligences are collective intelligences in the sense that they're made of parts and we really need to understand how

[firecloud]

1:00 "All of this is a very smooth very gradual continuum."
Yes, in your imagination.
"The moment a person forms a theory, his imagination sees in every object only the traits which favor that theory." --Thomas Jefferson

[glenliesegang]

Atoms briefly hold a response to their electromagnetic "environment."

Life on Earth is defined by base 4 digitally encoded information which codes for protein structure from which function arises, and non-coding DNA which comprises sensors and chains of structures which feed back to produce higher order behaviors and function. This permits the single cell's hunting behaviors.

Evolution occurs in punctuated steps. The Chicxulub event was not "smooth."

Organisms grow in steps-examine the celm cycle.

Were time slow enough, you could observe the jumps.

[glenliesegang]

Cars are relatively simple to drive. Evolution by natural selection is a relatively simple process.

Cars are not simple. And, compared to a car, an organism is almost infinitely less simple.

[project-unifiedfreepeoples]

Sorry, loved your work and thesis on energetic mutations and genetic restructuring of organic beings. I was a huge fan boy of yours until you said humanity is not a collective species. I must disagree and offer you my sincerest wishes of prosperity and a great life.

[agnidas]

So close yet so far again.
What is a continuum ?
It is a thing which goes on an on INDISTINGUISHABLY - as one thing.
you are naming many things in a tree.
That's not a universal continuum.
And yes there is one intelligence.
This world doesn't think or calculate - it is the product of such activities.
We are the result not the creator mind. Creator mind is invisible by virtue of being beyond human experience.

Thinking is an illusion. You produce the illusion of thought from the one intelligence.

The model is not the modelling computer ... the modelling computer does not use the model to think.

[ralf.starke]

Mr. Levin, can you please figure out how to grow new teeth. Dentists will hate you but humans will love you even in 1.000.000 years.

[myalterego]

So you'll tell me everything you know for free then?