[FRIAM] Dennett on agency

[Russ Abbott]

Not sure what the point is. Larger systems can exploit information and
"pick of scars." Cells in that sense are larger systems. I'm confused about
what that is supposed to add to the discussion.

Computer programs can certainly be described using intentional language.
Does that mean that a computer program can have intention? If so, that
seems to degrade the notion of intent.

-- Russ Abbott
Professor, Computer Science
California State University, Los Angeles


On Tue, Oct 20, 2020 at 9:23 AM jon zingale <jonzingale at gmail.com> wrote:

> ... and why tornados fail to have it. A key feature appears to be that
> agents
> have a history that makes a difference, can exploit information the way a
> thermostat can. Electrons or molecular motors, for instance, don't pick up
> scratches or scars. Sean Carroll adds that agents participate in the arrow
> of time.
>
> Queued up to the relevant part of the discussion:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yZw4wxvnVQ&ab_channel=SeanCarroll&t=1670s
>
>
>
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