Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id GAA02879 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk); Mon, 28 Jan 2002 06:43:58 GMT X-Originating-IP: [137.110.248.206] From: "Grant Callaghan" <grantc4@hotmail.com> To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk Subject: Re: A Confusing Example Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2002 22:39:38 -0800 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed Message-ID: <LAW2-F124WM1LZ63gWf0001164c@hotmail.com> X-OriginalArrivalTime: 28 Jan 2002 06:39:39.0588 (UTC) FILETIME=[8F7E8040:01C1A7C6] Sender: fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
> >>>
>
>DNA and protein are far too complex to have existed at the beginning of
>life. Check out *Seven Clues to the Origin of Life,* by A. G.
>Cairns-Smith.
>Most likely, the original organisms were based on clay crystals rather than
>nucleic acids. Later, when the framework was in place, the clay was
>gradually replaced by the more efficient nucleic acids.
>
>You seem to be suggesting a vitalistic conception of life based around
>complexity. The "elan vital" that animates living things is their
>complexity. Life is a product of molecular complexity, while consciousness
>is a product of neural complexity. If this were true, machines would
>spring
>to life once we've sufficiently complexified them.
>
>I'm afraid it's not that simple.
>
>Ted
>
Another good book on the beginnings of life is Vital Dust: Life as a Cosmic
Imperative by Christian de Duve, Nobel Laureate.
Grant
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