Philosophy Dictionary of ArgumentsHome | |||
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Intelligence: intelligence is the ability to recognize patterns in presented information or to recognize possibilities for supplementing and transforming known patterns that go beyond repetitions._____________Annotation: The above characterizations of concepts are neither definitions nor exhausting presentations of problems related to them. Instead, they are intended to give a short introduction to the contributions below. – Lexicon of Arguments. | |||
Author | Concept | Summary/Quotes | Sources |
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Frank J. Tipler on Intelligence - Dictionary of Arguments
Gould IV 323 Intelligence/Foreign Intelligence/Tipler: Thesis: With a "Von Neumann machine" (self-reproducing), intelligence could quickly populate and transform the entire universe (in 300 million years). It could also produce flesh and blood artificially.(1) IV 324 GouldVsTipler: I already have difficulties to foresee the behaviour of people who are close to me, even less I can do it with foreign intelligences. Tipler confuses two very different points of view: 1. the possibility of a detailed repetition of every small evolutionary sequence, i. e. organisms that look like us somehow 2. the general consideration that asks whether intelligence in beings similiar to us (bulky, banded, cartilaginous) should develop or in forms that we cannot imagine at all. Gould: example: If we use the "theory of evolution" to reject the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence, we are committing the classical fallacy. >Evolution, >Darwinism. To replace the special (individual repeatability, this is extremely unlikely) with the general (possibility of intelligence at all). Intelligent life/Gould: the question of whether there is humanoid intelligence is too specific. There might be forms of intelligence that we cannot even imagine. If the death of the dinosaurs hadn't given them the big chance, the mammals would still be small inconspicuous creatures today (maybe like rats). We humans would not be there. IV 329 Intelligent Life/Simpson: (Gould pro): even if we assume that there are billions of planets with life, it is highly unlikely that our way of life will repeat itself somewhere.(2) Gould: Nevertheless, why should there not be other forms of intelligence? (Also able to communicate.) 1. Frank J. Tipler. 1982. We are alone in our galaxy. New Scientist 96 (Oct. 7), pp. 33-35 2. Simpson, G.G.: The nonprevalence of humanoids. In: This way of life, Essay 13, pp. 253-71 New York: Harcourt, Brace and World, 1964._____________Explanation of symbols: Roman numerals indicate the source, arabic numerals indicate the page number. The corresponding books are indicated on the right hand side. ((s)…): Comment by the sender of the contribution. Translations: Dictionary of Arguments The note [Concept/Author], [Author1]Vs[Author2] or [Author]Vs[term] resp. "problem:"/"solution:", "old:"/"new:" and "thesis:" is an addition from the Dictionary of Arguments. If a German edition is specified, the page numbers refer to this edition. |
Tipler Frank J. Tipler The Physics of Immortality New York 1995 Gould I Stephen Jay Gould The Panda’s Thumb. More Reflections in Natural History, New York 1980 German Edition: Der Daumen des Panda Frankfurt 2009 Gould II Stephen Jay Gould Hen’s Teeth and Horse’s Toes. Further Reflections in Natural History, New York 1983 German Edition: Wie das Zebra zu seinen Streifen kommt Frankfurt 1991 Gould III Stephen Jay Gould Full House. The Spread of Excellence from Plato to Darwin, New York 1996 German Edition: Illusion Fortschritt Frankfurt 2004 Gould IV Stephen Jay Gould The Flamingo’s Smile. Reflections in Natural History, New York 1985 German Edition: Das Lächeln des Flamingos Basel 1989 |