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

Extract from "Evolution, Basal Cognition and Regenerative Medicine", kindly contributed by Michael Levin in SEMF's 2023 Interdisciplinary Summer School (semf.org.es/school2023/).
Full talk: • Michael Levin | Evolut...
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
Department of Biology, Tufts University: as.tufts.edu/biology
Tufts University profile: ase.tufts.edu/biology/labs/le...
Wyss Institute profile: wyss.harvard.edu/team/associa...
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael...)
Google Scholar: scholar.google.com/citations?...
Twitter: / drmichaellevin
LinkedIn: / michael-levin-b0983a6
SEMF NETWORKS
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[@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 .

[@ZapataCarratala]

More to come soon!

[@SEMF]

There will be more uploads soon, keep an eye out!

[@phil_mun]

Hi, this is a clip from a longer video (over 1h) of Michael Levin. If you would like to see the full version, you can find it also on this channel - it is called 'Michael Levin | Evolution, Basal Cognition and Regenerative Medicine'. Edit: Link of the full video is in the description.

[@SEMF]

@@phil_mun That's right! Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIermaBnpdyLoKs

[@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

[@ZapataCarratala]

That's very true! I completely agree.

[@missh1774]

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?

[@SEMF]

Seems highly unlikely.

[@missh1774]

@@SEMF but if the human didn't put the single cell on the dish... how did it get in the there? The moment it was moved by someone, that would be the potential given to it...no?

[@SEMF]

@@missh1774 but control environments are used, human intervention has minimal impact in principle

[@Meditation409]

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!! 🤙❤️

[@SEMF]

This really was an amazing contribution. We are having a Levin-focused event in our community. You can join the live discussions on our community here: semf.org.es/participate/join.html

[@Meditation409]

Thanks!!! 🙏💕

[@Meditation409]

I joined and I really look forward to seeing more.

[@SEMF]

@@Meditation409 Great to hear! We will welcome you there :)

[@Meditation409]

Thank you so much 💯❤️

[@glenliesegang233]

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.

[@andrewmorris5947]

Adam kadmon

[@SEMF]

What is this a reference to?

[@nathanielhellerstein5871]

How much of me is me?

[@SEMF]

Deceptively simple but great question!

[@SEMF]

@@canis_lupus_canus That's a very good summary. Maybe you'd like to share your thoughts with our internal community: semf.org.es/participate/join.html

[@obsideonyx7604]

You're a continueum. Separation is an illusion.

[@SEMF]

@@obsideonyx7604 This debate about the continuum is heating up in our online community. You can join the live discussions on our community here: semf.org.es/participate/join.html

[@agnidas5816]

@@SEMFspelling mistake on a page that claims all kinds or rigour and accuracy ... lolololololol. y'all are smooth brains but you think you are smart. Cannot even read your own bs to double check it.

[@glenliesegang233]

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.

[@SEMF]

That's right, hence the comparison.

[@firecloud77]

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

[@SEMF]

Why is not continuous in your view?

[@firecloud77]

@@SEMF *"Why is it not [a very smooth very gradual continuum] in your view?"* That's the wrong question. The onus is on the claimant. Why do you present your assumption as though it were an undeniably fact? That's not science. That's dogmatism.

[@SEMF]

@@firecloud77 It is stated with ample evidence of the claim, that's far from dogmatism...

[@firecloud77]

@@SEMF *"It is stated with ample evidence of the claim"* Darwins' "numerous, successive, slight modifications" have been documented? Where?

[@SEMF]

@@firecloud77What dogmatism are you referring to?

[@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.

[@SEMF]

Where is that claim made?

[@project-unifiedfreepeoples]

@SEMF did you watch the video? It's close to the beginning. He looks at the man he is talking with, and clearly states, "you know we are not a collective species, right?"

[@project-unifiedfreepeoples]

@SEMF it broke my heart, this guy is single handed the most intelligent man on the planet, if man he is. There have been major experimentation done in the past that proves we are a collective species. It hasn't been till the last hundred years that the notion of separate or individualism has taken the main seat. It all started with society.

[@project-unifiedfreepeoples]

​@SEMF nevermind, friend the day is saved. I did not listen after he said that, yet today I rewatched the video and he does say that mankind is very much so a collective intelligence. I offer my sincerest apologies and proud am I to have my hero back!!!

[@SEMF]

@@project-unifiedfreepeoples That's right, it all began with society!

[@myalterego2878]

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

[@SEMF]

That's the academic spirit. Some of the good lasting values of the academic tradition ;)

[@agnidas5816]

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.

[@SEMF]

What is the alternative you suggest to the notion of continuum?

[@ralfstarke7024]

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.

[@SEMF]

Will be an interesting outcome of this work!