1 A Philosophical Approach to the Selfish Biocosm Hypothesis Research project within ECCO. Clément...

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A Philosophical Approach to the A Philosophical Approach to the Selfish Biocosm HypothesisSelfish Biocosm Hypothesis

Research project within ECCO.Research project within ECCO.

Clément Vidal Clément Vidal

Université Paris 1-SorbonneUniversité Paris 1-SorbonneENS Ulm / EHESS / Paris V / Paris VI / ENS Cachan. (2004-ENS Ulm / EHESS / Paris V / Paris VI / ENS Cachan. (2004-

2005)2005)

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The most incomprehensible fact about the The most incomprehensible fact about the universe is that it is comprehensible.universe is that it is comprehensible.

Albert Einstein.Albert Einstein.

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OutlineOutline

2.1 Preliminaries (General philosophical considerations)2.1 Preliminaries (General philosophical considerations)

2.2 Introduction (Philosophical questions)2.2 Introduction (Philosophical questions)

2.3 Foundations (The anthropic principle; Smolin’s theory)2.3 Foundations (The anthropic principle; Smolin’s theory)

2.4 The idea (The Selfish Biocosm Hypothesis)2.4 The idea (The Selfish Biocosm Hypothesis)

2.5 The need to go further (Avenues of research)2.5 The need to go further (Avenues of research)

2.6 Conclusion2.6 Conclusion

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OutlineOutline

2.1 Preliminaries. 2.1 Preliminaries. – Philosophy todayPhilosophy today– A rough sketch for a « scientific » approach to A rough sketch for a « scientific » approach to

philosophyphilosophy

2.2 Introduction2.2 Introduction

2.3 Foundations2.3 Foundations

2.4 The idea2.4 The idea

2.5 The need to go further2.5 The need to go further


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Philosophy todayPhilosophy todayTwo main trends in today's philosophy :Two main trends in today's philosophy :

phenomenologyphenomenology

analytic philosophyanalytic philosophy

For neither of them is evolution important.For neither of them is evolution important.

A philosophy of evolution -of the cosmos and of A philosophy of evolution -of the cosmos and of life- is needed, for these discoveries are from the life- is needed, for these discoveries are from the point of view of philosophy very recent. There is point of view of philosophy very recent. There is no such philosophy today (except the no such philosophy today (except the PCP ...PCP ...))

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A rough sketch for a « scientific » A rough sketch for a « scientific » approach to philosophyapproach to philosophy

Science and philosophy have a common goal : Science and philosophy have a common goal : which is to understand the world. which is to understand the world.

Philosophy should usePhilosophy should use at least the less controversials scientific theories to at least the less controversials scientific theories to build philosophical systems.build philosophical systems.(e.g. The fact of evolution; time and space are linked, (e.g. The fact of evolution; time and space are linked, etc...)etc...)

Philosophy is interested in questions that science Philosophy is interested in questions that science can't answer. Philosophical claims based on can't answer. Philosophical claims based on scientific theories, and scientific theories -usually- scientific theories, and scientific theories -usually- based on facts. based on facts.

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Law

Fact Fact …

Law

Fact Fact …

Theory …Theory

…

Philosophy

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« Scientific » philosophy (2)« Scientific » philosophy (2)

A philosophical claim would then be explicitly linked more A philosophical claim would then be explicitly linked more or less closely to facts, through scientific theories. The or less closely to facts, through scientific theories. The further we are from fact, the more cautious we need to further we are from fact, the more cautious we need to be. be. BenefitsBenefits– Such a philosophy could be revised as science progress. If a Such a philosophy could be revised as science progress. If a

scientific theory is refuted, it would be clear that philosophical scientific theory is refuted, it would be clear that philosophical consequences would have to be taken into account. consequences would have to be taken into account.

– This would limitate purely intellectual philosophical constructions; This would limitate purely intellectual philosophical constructions; and would keep philosophical theories up to date with respect to and would keep philosophical theories up to date with respect to scientific theories.scientific theories.

Concretly, a criterion for a good systematic philosophy Concretly, a criterion for a good systematic philosophy would be a philosophy having links to the whole scientific would be a philosophy having links to the whole scientific knowledge. knowledge.

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OutlineOutline

2.1 Preliminaries2.1 Preliminaries 2.2 Introduction2.2 Introduction– Deep philosophical questionsDeep philosophical questions– The need of speculationThe need of speculation– What is the end of the universe ?What is the end of the universe ?2.3 Foundations2.3 Foundations2.4 The idea2.4 The idea2.5 The need to go further2.5 The need to go further2.6 Conclusion2.6 Conclusion

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Deep philosophical questionsDeep philosophical questionsWe are going to reflect on the largest time and space scales.We are going to reflect on the largest time and space scales.

Deep metaphysical questions.Deep metaphysical questions.– Why is the universe bio-friendly ? Why is the universe bio-friendly ? – What is the meaning of life and intelligence in the universe ?What is the meaning of life and intelligence in the universe ?– What are the beginning and the end of the universe ? What are the beginning and the end of the universe ?

We all want answers to such questions, even if they aren't We all want answers to such questions, even if they aren't complete and definitive. It is even a natural need to have a complete and definitive. It is even a natural need to have a complete and consistant world view. complete and consistant world view.

As (Kant 1781)As (Kant 1781) had understood, the metaphysic « science » had understood, the metaphysic « science » would remain, « even if all the others [sciences] would be would remain, « even if all the others [sciences] would be engulfed together in the gulf of a barbary that would destroy engulfed together in the gulf of a barbary that would destroy everything ». [B XIV] everything ». [B XIV]

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The need of speculationThe need of speculationTrying to answer such general, profound and difficult Trying to answer such general, profound and difficult questions, we need to go through speculation.questions, we need to go through speculation.

This book is intentionally and forthrightly speculative. This book is intentionally and forthrightly speculative. Following the example of Darwin, I have attempted to Following the example of Darwin, I have attempted to crudely frame a revolutionary explanatory paradigm crudely frame a revolutionary explanatory paradigm well before all of the requiered building materials and well before all of the requiered building materials and construction tools are at hand. construction tools are at hand.

(Gardner 2003, XXV)(Gardner 2003, XXV)Indeed, speculation helps:Indeed, speculation helps:

– to build new paradigmsto build new paradigms– to fight against scepticism (Gardner 2003, pXXVI)to fight against scepticism (Gardner 2003, pXXVI)

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What is the end of the universe ?What is the end of the universe ?

What are the possibilities for life toward the end What are the possibilities for life toward the end of the universe ?of the universe ?

– The long-term future of life seems compromised. The long-term future of life seems compromised. (Krauss & Starkman 1999).(Krauss & Starkman 1999).

– The universe will end either in :The universe will end either in :« ice » (Barrow 2001, p297-298)« ice » (Barrow 2001, p297-298)or in « fire » (Big crunch). or in « fire » (Big crunch). See also (Demaret See also (Demaret et al. et al. 1994, chap 11).1994, chap 11).

What follows is a -critical- presentation of What follows is a -critical- presentation of Gardner's (2003) main argumentation.Gardner's (2003) main argumentation.

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OutlineOutline

2.1 Preliminaries 2.1 Preliminaries


2.3 Foundations2.3 Foundations– A life-friendly cosmos (Chapter 2)A life-friendly cosmos (Chapter 2)– The anthropic principle(s) (Part 1).The anthropic principle(s) (Part 1).– Lee Smolin’s reproducing universe (Chapter 6).Lee Smolin’s reproducing universe (Chapter 6).– von Neumann’s self-reproducing automaton von Neumann’s self-reproducing automaton – Applied to Smolin's theoryApplied to Smolin's theory




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A life-friendly cosmos. A life-friendly cosmos. (Chapter 2)(Chapter 2)

Stars provide the lightest elements -necessary for life. Stars provide the lightest elements -necessary for life. (Smolin 1997, p32)(Smolin 1997, p32)What is the probability that a universe created by What is the probability that a universe created by randomly choosing the parameters of physics will contain randomly choosing the parameters of physics will contain stars ? stars ? – One chance in 10One chance in 10229229 Smolin (1997, p55). Smolin (1997, p55).

Ratio of electrical force to the gravitational force; force Ratio of electrical force to the gravitational force; force binding protons and neutrons; rate of cosmic expansion; binding protons and neutrons; rate of cosmic expansion; Just three spatial dimensions; etc… See (Rees 2000)Just three spatial dimensions; etc… See (Rees 2000)Conclusion: Conclusion: the statistical improbability of a universe possessing all the statistical improbability of a universe possessing all the life-friendly characteristics exhibited by our cosmos is the life-friendly characteristics exhibited by our cosmos is simply too great to exclude the possibility of a nonrandom simply too great to exclude the possibility of a nonrandom origin. origin.

(Gardner 2003, p10)(Gardner 2003, p10)

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The anthropic principle(s) (Part 1).The anthropic principle(s) (Part 1).Why is the universe bio-friendly ?Why is the universe bio-friendly ?

The weak anthropic principle (WAP):The weak anthropic principle (WAP):

Since human observers inhabit this particular universe, Since human observers inhabit this particular universe, it must perforce be life-friendly or it would not contain it must perforce be life-friendly or it would not contain any observers resembling ourselves. any observers resembling ourselves.

(Gardner 2003, p288)(Gardner 2003, p288)The strong anthropic principle (SAP):The strong anthropic principle (SAP):

The origin of life and intelligence in the universe will The origin of life and intelligence in the universe will eventually be shown to be strongly favored or even eventually be shown to be strongly favored or even predestined by the laws and constants of inanimate predestined by the laws and constants of inanimate nature.nature.

(Gardner 2003, p287).(Gardner 2003, p287).

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What is the WAP ?What is the WAP ?

The WAP is no science. Why not ? It contains a circularity.The WAP is no science. Why not ? It contains a circularity. – Why is the universe life-friendly ?Why is the universe life-friendly ?– Because we exist.Because we exist.– Why do we exist ?Why do we exist ?– Because the universe is life-friendly !Because the universe is life-friendly !

The WAP is a teleological principle.The WAP is a teleological principle.– Its starts from the existence of intelligent beings and tries to Its starts from the existence of intelligent beings and tries to

deduce some aspects of the fundamental laws of nature. deduce some aspects of the fundamental laws of nature.

It's rather a profound and useful question, the « anthropic question ». It's rather a profound and useful question, the « anthropic question ». The The anthropic questionanthropic question can thus be reformulated (Smolin 1999, p3) : can thus be reformulated (Smolin 1999, p3) :

Why do the parameters of the standard models of particle Why do the parameters of the standard models of particle physics and cosmology fall in a very tiny box in the space of physics and cosmology fall in a very tiny box in the space of parameters in which there are stars and organic chemistry ?parameters in which there are stars and organic chemistry ?

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What is the SAP ?What is the SAP ?

Like the WAP, it is a teleological principle.Like the WAP, it is a teleological principle.Usually, finality is rejected by science because :Usually, finality is rejected by science because :– Science refuses an explanation with finalityScience refuses an explanation with finality– Finality implies a transcendantal intention (and thus Finality implies a transcendantal intention (and thus

theology). theology).

But …because it is stronger, it is more subject to But …because it is stronger, it is more subject to science (test the robustess of the emergence of science (test the robustess of the emergence of intelligence). intelligence).

See also (Gardner 2003, chap1) for an historic See also (Gardner 2003, chap1) for an historic of the anthropic principle. of the anthropic principle.

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Lee Smolin reproducing Lee Smolin reproducing universe (Chapter 6).universe (Chapter 6).

If the laws of physics are timeless, if they are true everywhere and for If the laws of physics are timeless, if they are true everywhere and for all time, any explanation of them must lie in something that is not in all time, any explanation of them must lie in something that is not in the universe the universe

(Smolin 1997, p260).(Smolin 1997, p260).

The situation of nowadays cosmology is analogous to the biologists‘The situation of nowadays cosmology is analogous to the biologists‘before Lamarck and Darwin. before Lamarck and Darwin.

Biology (yesterday)Biology (yesterday) Physics (nowadays)Physics (nowadays)(1) Why are the different species as (1) Why are the different species as they are ? they are ?

(1) Why are the physical laws and (1) Why are the physical laws and constants as they are ? constants as they are ?

(2) Species are timeless categories.(2) Species are timeless categories. (2) Laws and constants are timeless.(2) Laws and constants are timeless.

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(Smolin 1997, p260).(Smolin 1997, p260).





2020



(Smolin 1997, p260).(Smolin 1997, p260).





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Smolin’s theorySmolin’s theory

NOT multiverseNOT multiverse

Black holes give birth to new universes Black holes give birth to new universes (space-time regions.)(space-time regions.)

This event is like a big bang, and can give This event is like a big bang, and can give rise to new physical laws. rise to new physical laws.

The properties of the elementary particules The properties of the elementary particules are slightly different from the mother are slightly different from the mother universe. universe.

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Limitations of Smolin’s theoryLimitations of Smolin’s theory

Life’s role in the universe is incidental.Life’s role in the universe is incidental.

The physical laws aren’t fine-tuned to maximize The physical laws aren’t fine-tuned to maximize black hole production. black hole production. (Rees 1997, p251), quoted in (Gardner 2003, p84)(Rees 1997, p251), quoted in (Gardner 2003, p84)

No mechanism of heredity. (Gardner 2003, p84)No mechanism of heredity. (Gardner 2003, p84)

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von Neumann’s self-reproducing von Neumann’s self-reproducing automatonautomaton

von von Neumann Neumann (1948)(1948)

NameName Exemple : the cellExemple : the cell DescriptionDescription

11 BlueprintBlueprint The information The information contained in the DNAcontained in the DNA

Plan for the construction of Plan for the construction of the offspringthe offspring

AA FactoryFactory CellCell Carries out the constructionCarries out the construction

CC ControllerController The regulatory The regulatory mechanisms of the mechanisms of the mitosemitose

Ensures the factory follows Ensures the factory follows the planthe plan

BB Duplicating Duplicating machinemachine

The reproduction of The reproduction of the DNAthe DNA

Transmits a copy of the Transmits a copy of the blueprint to the offspringblueprint to the offspring

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Applied to Smolin's theoryApplied to Smolin's theory

Smolin’s theorySmolin’s theory NameName DescriptionDescription

Physical laws and Physical laws and constantsconstants

BlueprintBlueprint Plan for the construction of the Plan for the construction of the offspringoffspring

Universe at largeUniverse at large FactoryFactory Carries out the constructionCarries out the construction

?? ControllerController Ensures the factory follows the planEnsures the factory follows the plan

?? Duplicating Duplicating machinemachine

Transmits a copy of the blueprint to Transmits a copy of the blueprint to the offspringthe offspring

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OutlineOutline

2.1 Preliminaries 2.1 Preliminaries


2.3 Foundations2.3 Foundations


– The Selfish Biocosm Hypothesis (SBH) (Part 4).The Selfish Biocosm Hypothesis (SBH) (Part 4).

– Tests proposed by GardnerTests proposed by Gardner

– Problems with the testsProblems with the tests

– Why a pure scientific will dislike the idea ? Why a pure scientific will dislike the idea ?



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The Selfish Biocosm The Selfish Biocosm Hypothesis (SBH) (Part 4).Hypothesis (SBH) (Part 4).

Could, in fact, the origin and evolution of life Could, in fact, the origin and evolution of life and the emergence of intelligence in an and the emergence of intelligence in an inanimate universe be at the very heart of the inanimate universe be at the very heart of the mysterious process of cosmological ontogeny mysterious process of cosmological ontogeny and replication hypothesized by Professor and replication hypothesized by Professor Smolin ?Smolin ?


Note that the idea is 10 years old, and came Note that the idea is 10 years old, and came from (Edward Harrison 1995)from (Edward Harrison 1995)

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SBH (2)SBH (2)

the anthropic qualities that our universe exhibits can be the anthropic qualities that our universe exhibits can be explained as incidental consequences of an enormously explained as incidental consequences of an enormously lenghtly cosmic replication cycle in which a lenghtly cosmic replication cycle in which a cosmologically extended biosphere provides the means cosmologically extended biosphere provides the means by which our cosmos duplicates itself and propagates by which our cosmos duplicates itself and propagates one or more « baby universes ». one or more « baby universes ».

(Gardner 2003, XXIV-XXV)(Gardner 2003, XXIV-XXV)

Why selfish ?Why selfish ?– The name came in analogy with (Dawkins 1989) selfish gene. The name came in analogy with (Dawkins 1989) selfish gene.

Under my theory, the cosmos is « selfishly » focused Under my theory, the cosmos is « selfishly » focused upon the overarching objective of achieving its own upon the overarching objective of achieving its own replication.replication.

(Gardner 2003, pXXV)(Gardner 2003, pXXV)

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Completion of Smolin’s theoryCompletion of Smolin’s theory

Smolin’s theorySmolin’s theory NameName DescriptionDescription

Physical laws and Physical laws and constantsconstants

BlueprintBlueprint Plan for the construction of the Plan for the construction of the offspringoffspring

Universe at largeUniverse at large FactoryFactory Carry out the constructionCarry out the construction

Complexity theory-Complexity theory-supplied rules of supplied rules of emergence (Gardner)emergence (Gardner)

A world view or a A world view or a philosophy (my opinion!)philosophy (my opinion!)

ControllerController Ensure the factory follows the planEnsure the factory follows the plan

Highly evolved life Highly evolved life and intelligenceand intelligence


Duplicating Duplicating machinemachine

Transmitt a copy of the blueprint to Transmitt a copy of the blueprint to the offspringthe offspring

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Why create a new universe ?Why create a new universe ?

(Gardner 2003, p224) : altruism.(Gardner 2003, p224) : altruism.(Harrison 1995, p200) :(Harrison 1995, p200) :– Prove the theory is correct, and the technology Prove the theory is correct, and the technology

adequateadequate– Make universes even more hospitable to intelligent life.Make universes even more hospitable to intelligent life.– Inhabit the universe created (!)Inhabit the universe created (!)

In my opinion :In my opinion :– The end of our universe not happy. (See intro, slide 12)The end of our universe not happy. (See intro, slide 12)– To achieve the immortality of the cosmos. (aspiration to To achieve the immortality of the cosmos. (aspiration to

infinite, immortality).infinite, immortality).

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Tests proposed by GardnerTests proposed by Gardner

Four tests are described p135-136 of the book. Four tests are described p135-136 of the book.

– The SETI project will eventually succeed.The SETI project will eventually succeed.– Convergent animal evolution toward sentience in Convergent animal evolution toward sentience in

nonprimate species. (ex: Dolphins).nonprimate species. (ex: Dolphins).– Artificial life evolution. (Create a « conscious artifact.»)Artificial life evolution. (Create a « conscious artifact.»)– Emergence of transhuman intelligence (necessary Emergence of transhuman intelligence (necessary

condition to the task of cosmological engineering).condition to the task of cosmological engineering).

A plausible scenario exists by which the cosmos A plausible scenario exists by which the cosmos will evolve toward a state of maximal will evolve toward a state of maximal computational capacity. (Gardner 2001); (Gardner computational capacity. (Gardner 2001); (Gardner 2003, chap 12).2003, chap 12).

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Problems with the testsProblems with the testsA domain of science is scientific when it is expressible in terms A domain of science is scientific when it is expressible in terms of laws, and refutable by experience. (Popper 1959) of laws, and refutable by experience. (Popper 1959) The tests are too far from the SBH. The tests are too far from the SBH. – SETISETI. If SETI fails for ever, this won’t falsify the SBH. If we are alone, we . If SETI fails for ever, this won’t falsify the SBH. If we are alone, we

can hold that we will manage to create a new universe. can hold that we will manage to create a new universe. – Animal evolution toward sentience. Animal evolution toward sentience. It would necessitate geological times It would necessitate geological times

to test the evolution of species. to test the evolution of species. – Artificial life evolutionArtificial life evolution. How long will it take to have a conscious artifact ?. How long will it take to have a conscious artifact ?– Emergence of transhuman intelligenceEmergence of transhuman intelligence. If it fails on earth, we may . If it fails on earth, we may

suppose that an other intelligent civilization may accomplish the suppose that an other intelligent civilization may accomplish the duplication process. So, if it fails, SBH wouldn’t be falsified.duplication process. So, if it fails, SBH wouldn’t be falsified.

The SBH laws are on a too large scale to be object of any The SBH laws are on a too large scale to be object of any experience. We can only argue for or against with arguments experience. We can only argue for or against with arguments (that can be scientific). (that can be scientific). What would be real refutations of the SBH ?What would be real refutations of the SBH ?– A proof that the universe was not created by intelligent beeings.A proof that the universe was not created by intelligent beeings.– A proof that any intelligent life in our universe will never create a baby A proof that any intelligent life in our universe will never create a baby

universe. universe.

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Why a pure scientific will Why a pure scientific will dislike the idea ? dislike the idea ?

Normally, a scientific asks a question to nature, and expect Normally, a scientific asks a question to nature, and expect a response. The response usually only depends on nature. a response. The response usually only depends on nature. (notable exceptions in quantum mechanics, and in self-(notable exceptions in quantum mechanics, and in self-fulfilling economic theories).fulfilling economic theories).

Accepting the SBH has consequences about the meaning Accepting the SBH has consequences about the meaning of intelligent beings, and scientific activity in particular. of intelligent beings, and scientific activity in particular. Under SBH, scientific activity doesn't mean only pure love Under SBH, scientific activity doesn't mean only pure love of discovery and objectivity. The scientific activity tries to of discovery and objectivity. The scientific activity tries to build the most correct model of the universe, in order to build the most correct model of the universe, in order to (maybe one day) create a new universe.(maybe one day) create a new universe.

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OutlineOutline

2.1 Preliminaries 2.1 Preliminaries 2.2 Introduction2.2 Introduction2.3 Foundations2.3 Foundations2.4 The idea2.4 The idea2.5 The need to go further2.5 The need to go further– What is the epistemological status of the SBH ? What is the epistemological status of the SBH ? – What are the scientific arguments for and against this theory?What are the scientific arguments for and against this theory?– How to Integrate the idea in an evolutionary, and systemic How to Integrate the idea in an evolutionary, and systemic

philosophy ? philosophy ? – Biocosm and humanity (Part 6). Biocosm and humanity (Part 6).


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What is the epistemological What is the epistemological status of the SBH ?status of the SBH ?

Gardner pretends that his theory is scientific, because falsifiable Gardner pretends that his theory is scientific, because falsifiable « tests » do exist. But as we saw, these tests do not properly test « tests » do exist. But as we saw, these tests do not properly test the SBH. the SBH.

It is necessarily philosophic. We are involved in the cosmos. The It is necessarily philosophic. We are involved in the cosmos. The realisation of SBH -without E.T.- realisation of SBH -without E.T.- depends on usdepends on us. This only fact . This only fact makes the status of the SBH philosophical. makes the status of the SBH philosophical. (That doesn't mean that we don't need scientific arguments to argue (That doesn't mean that we don't need scientific arguments to argue for a philosophical world view...)for a philosophical world view...)

It is impossible to calculate in detail the long-range future of the It is impossible to calculate in detail the long-range future of the universe without including the effects of life and intelligence. It is universe without including the effects of life and intelligence. It is impossible to calculate the capabilitites of life and intelligence impossible to calculate the capabilitites of life and intelligence without touching, at least peripherally, philosophical questions. If we without touching, at least peripherally, philosophical questions. If we are to examine how intelligent life may be able to guide the physical are to examine how intelligent life may be able to guide the physical development of the universe for its own purposes, we cannot development of the universe for its own purposes, we cannot altogether avoid considering what the values and purposes of altogether avoid considering what the values and purposes of intelligent life may be. intelligent life may be.

(Dyson 1988, p99-100), quoted in (Gardner 2003, p111)(Dyson 1988, p99-100), quoted in (Gardner 2003, p111)

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What are the scientific arguments What are the scientific arguments for and against this theory ?for and against this theory ?

For example, test the robustness of the For example, test the robustness of the emergence of intelligence.emergence of intelligence.– Gardner’s 4 tests Gardner’s 4 tests – At first sight, the SBH seems consitant with At first sight, the SBH seems consitant with

Stewart's (1997, 2000) arrow of evolution.Stewart's (1997, 2000) arrow of evolution.

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How to integrate the idea in an How to integrate the idea in an evolutionary-systemic philosophy ? evolutionary-systemic philosophy ?

What are the possible links with an What are the possible links with an evolutionnary-systemic philosophy like the evolutionnary-systemic philosophy like the Principia Cybernetica Project Principia Cybernetica Project ??

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Biocosm and humanity (Part 6). Biocosm and humanity (Part 6).

These issues are just touched on by Gardner. These issues are just touched on by Gardner.

Global Brain and « superintelligence » (that's why we Global Brain and « superintelligence » (that's why we need [1]...)need [1]...)

Possibility to develop a world view based on the SBH.Possibility to develop a world view based on the SBH.– This would provide a clear very long term goal. This would provide a clear very long term goal.

– The view would thus be larger -in space and time scales- The view would thus be larger -in space and time scales- than the Global Brain utopia (Heylighen 2004) though fully than the Global Brain utopia (Heylighen 2004) though fully consistant with it.consistant with it.

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2.6 Conclusion (1)2.6 Conclusion (1)

The SBH : The SBH : – reminds us that we are involved in the cosmosreminds us that we are involved in the cosmos

– propose that the universe, life, and intelligence are propose that the universe, life, and intelligence are intrinsically linked.intrinsically linked.

Gardner's idea is:Gardner's idea is:– philosophically excellent (satisfying the criteria of a philosophically excellent (satisfying the criteria of a

« scientific » philosophy) « scientific » philosophy)

– scientifically weak (difficult to test). scientifically weak (difficult to test).

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2.6 Conclusion (2)2.6 Conclusion (2) In constrast to the « selfish » biocosm, if this theory has to In constrast to the « selfish » biocosm, if this theory has to

become an utopia, I suggest a more poetic view. become an utopia, I suggest a more poetic view.

Excerpt of Plato’s Excerpt of Plato’s SymposiumSymposium : :

Diotime - Diotime - For love, Socrates, is not, as you imagine, the love of the For love, Socrates, is not, as you imagine, the love of the beautiful only.beautiful only.SocratesSocrates - What then? - What then?DiotimeDiotime - The love of generation and of birth in beauty. - The love of generation and of birth in beauty.SocratesSocrates - 'Yes,' I said. - 'Yes,' I said. DiotimeDiotime -Yes, indeed. But why of generation? -Yes, indeed. But why of generation? Because to the mortal Because to the mortal creature, generation is a sort of eternity and immortalitycreature, generation is a sort of eternity and immortality, and if, as has , and if, as has been already admitted, love is of the everlasting possession of the been already admitted, love is of the everlasting possession of the good, all men will necessarily desire immortality together with good: good, all men will necessarily desire immortality together with good: Wherefore love is of immortality.Wherefore love is of immortality.

If the story of the universe were a kind of unending love story If the story of the universe were a kind of unending love story between life and universes ? ...between life and universes ? ...

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Thank you for your attention !Thank you for your attention !

Questions are very welcome now or laterQuestions are very welcome now or later

[email protected]@philosophons.com

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Bibliography (1)Bibliography (1)2. 2. Second project.Second project.

Barrow, J. D. (2001) Barrow, J. D. (2001) The book of nothingThe book of nothing. New York: Pantheon.. New York: Pantheon.Dawkins, R. (1989) – Dawkins, R. (1989) – Le gène égoïsteLe gène égoïste. Odile Jacob, deuxième édition, 1989.. Odile Jacob, deuxième édition, 1989.

Demaret, Lambert (1994) Demaret, Lambert (1994) Le principe anthropiqueLe principe anthropique. Armand Colin.. Armand Colin.Dyson, F. (1988) Dyson, F. (1988) Infinite in all directions. Infinite in all directions. New York: Harper Perennial Library.New York: Harper Perennial Library.

Gardner, J. N., (2000) The Selfish Biocosm: Complexity as CosmologyGardner, J. N., (2000) The Selfish Biocosm: Complexity as Cosmology . Complexity . Complexity 5, no. 3.5, no. 3.Gardner, J. N. (2001) Assessing the Robustness of the Emergence of Intelligence: Testing the Selfish Gardner, J. N. (2001) Assessing the Robustness of the Emergence of Intelligence: Testing the Selfish Biocosm Hypothesis. Biocosm Hypothesis. Acta AstronauticaActa Astronautica 48, no. 5-12, p951-955. Abstract : 48, no. 5-12, p951-955. Abstract : http://www.setileague.org/iaaseti/abst2000/gardner.pdfhttp://www.setileague.org/iaaseti/abst2000/gardner.pdf Gardner, J. N., (2003) Gardner, J. N., (2003) Biocosm. The new scientific theory of evolution: intelligent life is the architect of Biocosm. The new scientific theory of evolution: intelligent life is the architect of the universe.the universe. Inner Ocean Publishing. See www.biocosm.org where the introduction is available. Inner Ocean Publishing. See www.biocosm.org where the introduction is available.

Harrison, E. (1995) The natural selection of universes containing intelligent life. Harrison, E. (1995) The natural selection of universes containing intelligent life. Quart. J. Roy. Astronom. Quart. J. Roy. Astronom. SocSoc., 36, 193-203.., 36, 193-203.http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1995QJRAS..36..193H&link_type=ARTICLE&db_key=AST bibcode=1995QJRAS..36..193H&link_type=ARTICLE&db_key=AST Heylighen, F. (2000) Foundations and Methodology for an Evolutionary World View: a review of the Heylighen, F. (2000) Foundations and Methodology for an Evolutionary World View: a review of the Principia Cybernetica Project, Principia Cybernetica Project, Foundations of ScienceFoundations of Science, 5, p. 457-490., 5, p. 457-490.http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/Papers/PCPworldview-FOS.pdfhttp://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/Papers/PCPworldview-FOS.pdfHeylighen F. (2004): "Das Globale Gehirn als neue Utopia" (The Global Brain as a new Utopia), in: R. Heylighen F. (2004): "Das Globale Gehirn als neue Utopia" (The Global Brain as a new Utopia), in: R. Maresch & F. Rötzer (eds.) Renaissance der Utopie (Suhrkamp, Frankfurt) Maresch & F. Rötzer (eds.) Renaissance der Utopie (Suhrkamp, Frankfurt) http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/Papers/GB-Utopia.pdf http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/Papers/GB-Utopia.pdf

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Our universe has been created … Our universe has been created … and ?and ?

Assuming SBH is -in part- assuming that our universe has Assuming SBH is -in part- assuming that our universe has been created by intelligent life. been created by intelligent life. With the universe created by an external entity (God or With the universe created by an external entity (God or intelligent beings), when we ask the question : « why is intelligent beings), when we ask the question : « why is this phenomenon so and not otherwise ? » we may be this phenomenon so and not otherwise ? » we may be tempted to answer « because the creator wanted this », tempted to answer « because the creator wanted this », and thus stop searching for a better explanation (ex: and thus stop searching for a better explanation (ex: vitalism, species categories). vitalism, species categories). That’s why God isn’t a good scientific hypothesis. That’s why God isn’t a good scientific hypothesis. The case of SBH is different. As the cosmos should The case of SBH is different. As the cosmos should reproduce, we (intelligent life) should continue to decipher reproduce, we (intelligent life) should continue to decipher its slightest secrets. its slightest secrets.

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