Hi ex-Squad, Leighton de-lurking again... I am going to focus on HOW a fifth level might emerge.... One of the key features of the MOQ so far is that each level is dependent on the existence of the previous one... so I have some thoughts on the evolution of the intellectual level... namely, its dependence on the biological level could be removed. Not only talking AI here, but wholescale use of neural network developments to ultimately hold a persons intellectual patterns without the requirement of the biological level which has flaws - DNA unravels at the ends during ageing, thus leading to reduced lifetime of the DNA pattern... it is an imperfect static latch. So this provides the possibility of a two classes of patterns for a single human - living organic pattern and replicated 'digital' one dependent upon inorganic structures for survival... The (simplified) purpose of DNA is to a) hold the codes that allow our cell structures to produce the correct acids etc... and b) carry an inbuild genetic desire to carry on life. This is because it is an imperfect static latch. Without reproduction the DNA pattern is ultimately lost. Life has an aim or purpose. Its aim is to carry on living. Its process for that is evolution. Its current method is reproduction. If the DNA solely replicated itself there would be no evolution. This is because evolution requires change, hence the need for a mate - it inspires dynamic change in the DNA. Until it is possible to hold the patterns of life on stable inorganic structures, life will continually struggle for survival against the elements using reproduction to survive. However, if our intellectual patterns develop to the extent that we can create patterns of human life on inorganic structures then the method of life is now eroneous as far as humans go.... No need for reproduction. And for our immortal digital human, the voyage of discovery may well involve a control over all the previous MOQ levels and be an evolution of a new purpose to life...... levels emerge when the rules change.... and this might well herald the emergence of a fifth level?! Leighton as an aside: I am not sure I like all the consequences of what I have just written. Who wants to live forever? What would you do? MOQ.org - http://www.moq.org
