New Scientist has an interesting article on the ways in which it may make sense to talk about non-conscious entities creating meaning. Biosemiotics.
Hat tip to Meika.
I had been thinking abut this when I came across a report on the slime mould’s ‘irrational’ decision-making process.It seems that like humans, Physarum polycephalum makes quick foraging decisions based on comparisons of what’s available. These decisions aren’t strictly rational.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2010.1045
Canadian researcher Dr Tanya Latty of Sydney University said:
“If you are in a risky environment… it’s better to be able to make a quick decision that’s right most of the time rather than a perfect decision that takes too long and means you get eaten by something,”
There’s a radio interview on CBS.
…and another paper.
Related Articles
- Biosemiotics: Searching for meanings in a meadow (newscientist.com)
- Brainless slime mould makes decisions like humans (adelaidegreenporridgecafe.blogspot.com)
- Brainless slime mould makes decisions like humans (downes.ca)
Four Cultures 