Re: virus: Technology (was manifest science)

Wade T.Smith (wade_smith@harvard.edu)
Sat, 5 Jun 1999 21:32:22 -0400

>You cant say the arms are a tool without saying the blood that coursed
>into the muscles is a tool, without saying the heart that pumped it
>there is a tool, without saying the lungs which provided the oxygen is a
>tool, without saying the diaphram that moved the lungs is a tool,
>without saying the brainstem is a tool. So if I misunderstood you, I
>take it back, otherwise I cant buy that.

Yes, I am saying that. Using the hands and fingers as tools to fashion a lump of clay, or bang a hamburger into shape, is tool usage, yes. The shape and motility of the hands, aided and seen by a conscious being, are the tools here. The blood coursing through our veins is not being moved by any conscious direction, and is not in the process of forming anything. I guess I don't see your point about tools. A tool is a special implement, not a natural process. Elements of processes are units within operations, but these are not tools. Phools maybe....