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> >  > dhw: No, species consciousness would be the product of evolution, as different cell communities over thousands of millions of years combined to create new cellular combinations (i.e. evolutionary innovations leading to new species).-With no explanation as to how those cellular communities can plan for the future giant gaps in complexity.-> DAVID: [i]My 50/50 is that cells are not sentient, but surprise, you have faith in that concept[/i]! >  > dhw: No, I offer it as a hypothesis. It is you who have faith in your half of the 50/50. I am hamstrung by my uncertainty (a)over the source of life and intelligence, and (b) over the existence of a God. However, given the choice between your 3.8-billion-year computer programme for all innovations and the concept of the intelligent cell, and bearing in mind the higgledy-piggledy history of evolution, I certainly prefer my hypothesis to yours, on the understanding that it allows for the possibility of your God inventing the intelligent cell.-The picket fence allows you to propose everything in every direction and feel comfortable. I also feel comfortable, but I have answers to the nagging questions that feel comfortable.] >  > dhw: You have agreed that there is a 50/50 chance of bacteria being individual, sentient, intelligent beings, so you should allow a 50/50 chance that we have inherited the same characteristics and are not anthropomorphizing them. Neurons and a brain may not be the only tools for &#147;thought&#148;.-So what else can &apos;think&apos; and plan for complexity? >   > dhw: What is &#147;well-planned information&#148;? We&apos;re off again! Your hypothesis: cells contain an incredibly well-planned 3.8-billion-year-old computer programme which automatically processes information. My hypothesis: cells contain an autonomous intelligence which processes information.-Right. You are recognizing that cells have a mechanism to interpret the information which is onboard and uses that information appropriately to run the processes of life. For me reading a code should be automatic if a code reader is present, as you say it is.