Well, of course, you're right; but I'm considering whether or not people (and all things)are perhaps simply an expression of the more fundamental consciousness of the Universe (or God, if one prefers). It is not just that we are intelligent, but that we are intelligent because the Universe is: No mathematical or logical structure--no rationality. Logic and rational thinking can exist, only because the universe has a logical and rational order, design, and structure. This was where humans discovered the laws of physics, chemistry, mathematics, geometry, etc. All the things that give our lives special meaning, for instance the joy of music--give rise to wonder. No mathematical structure...no music.
Aside from that, I think all sides need to be discussed. It is a great way to learn, and I'm learning a lot by being the devil's advocate...
Oh, as regards the dinos carrying the olympic torch of intelligence. I don't think their large size, and the fact that they died leaving some fossils proves that they were pre-eminent in intelligence. That is simply a conceit of some of the scientific community. Leaving aside the meteorite strike, intelligent species are not well represented in the fossil record for the obvious reasons that they don't die quite as stupidly as others. I just made that up, but it makes sense to me... |
