Daniel Dennett - Is Evolution an Algorithmic Process? Part 4

Produced by:
University of Washington
November 19, 1998
From the Series:
Danz Lecture Series

Description:
Daniel Dennett discusses his research into Darwin's evolutionary theory of natural selection and describes its suggestion of evolution as an algorithmic process.

Speaker(s):
Daniel C. Dennett, Austin B. Fletcher Professor of Philosophy; director, Center for Cognitive Studies, Tufts University

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Daniel
• Dennett
• Atheism
• Philosophy
• Algorithm
• Evolution

[Nouseeker]

btw, im of the theory that creatonists will one day evolve and become rational people

[kossmikham]

If Creationists had the capacity for thinking they wouldn't be Creationists in the first place.

[ratelslangen]

biological goals: getting to food, getting to other to mate

[andreirocks1992]

@kossmikham if people didn't have the capacity for speculation... :D nevermind

[chodaboy51500]

@skraper35 This isn't a problem. Evolution, whether it be simulated or real, requires a goal. One particular goal: reproduction. Just as in the simulation, an organism's ability to do a particular function gives it an advantage towards that goal.

[skraper35]

The problem with this as an argument against creationism is that the programmer gives the program certain goals...

[xXRazorfistXx]

First: This. Next: Cybernet.

[acr08807]

@Fapsamup What I really want to hear is why you think that understanding the origin of computers provides a good model for understaning the origin of universes. They seem to be pretty different kinds of things to me.

[Fapsamup]

@acr08807 What do you want to hear then? You want to hear from me that I am either a creationist or a Darwinist?

[acr08807]

@Fapsamup It's not a problem at all. It's just that there's not much point in continuing a discussion with someone who refuses to say why he believes what he believes. Cheers!

[Fapsamup]

@acr08807 I answered your questions. If you can't see the answer that is your problem.