How teaching molecules to think is revealing what a 'mind' is

11 days ago

Self-control involves a complex interaction between gut cells and brain cells, leading to actions that serve personal goals and desires.
Biological simulations suggest that even simple biomolecular networks exhibit agency and goals, challenging traditional views of passive cellular machinery.
Cognitive abilities like learning and memory are found in simpler organisms and systems, such as slime molds, plants, and immune systems, indicating cognition is not exclusive to brains.
Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) can 'learn' through associative training, similar to Pavlov's dogs, suggesting a form of memory and adaptation at a molecular level.
The concept of 'causal emergence' measures how systems act as unified agents rather than collections of parts, with higher levels indicating greater agency or 'selfhood.'
Agency may drive evolutionary complexity, as seen in transitions from single cells to multicellular organisms, suggesting a feedback loop between learning and complexity.
Autocatalytic chemical systems show primitive learning behaviors, hinting that cognitive abilities could extend to non-living molecular interactions.
Agency and cognition exist on a continuum, from simple chemical reactions to complex organisms, reshaping our understanding of life's origins and intelligence.

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