Are we just a random collection of atoms?

[NickFitz]

We obviously aren't a random collection of atoms, for there is non-random order both in the molecules formed by the atoms and in the overall structure of the human body. If the atoms in a human body were randomly arranged, you'd just get a load of gas and a few crystalline solids.

[TimberWolf]

Just atoms, but not a random collection. An improbable collection that took the universe 15 billion years to assemble.

[HairyArsedBloke]

Take a ride in threaded's time machine and there is a very good chance that you'll not even be classed as a 'collection'.

[Churchill]

Just atoms, but not a random collection. An improbable collection that took the universe 15 billion years to assemble.

Every 15 Billion years or so there's a throwback, we like to call ours sasguru...

[HairyArsedBloke]

I believe so.
And if you think we're something more, what's your evidence?

<mode type="sensible">
Yes 'we' are. All 'life' is more than a collection of atoms.

Especially in the higher forms, an individual identity is an emergent property of the collection of atoms.

This is really basic stuff.

</mode>

[TimberWolf]

Where (and how) is it all going to end is the next big question. That and was it all futile.

[HairyArsedBloke]

Where (and how) is it all going to end is the next big question. That and was it all futile.

It ends everywhere with everything getting very, very cold and dark.

Yes.

[Churchill]

It ends everywhere with everything getting very, very cold and dark.

Yes.

They reckon your hearing is the last to go.

"I SAID THEY RECKON IT'S YOUR HEARING THAT'S LAST TO GO!!!"

[threaded]

It ends everywhere with everything getting very, very cold and dark.

Yes.

That's an old idea. I quite like the idea of the Hubble constant increasing so you'll look up at the sky and the stars will start blinking out, then going out at an increasing rate, and then to a point where atoms just fly apart

[gingerjedi]

Thought experiment:

Lets say we replace one atom of you. Would you notice that? ...I think not

So lets say we go round and replace one atom at a time....would you notice that?...no

Now we've replaced all your atoms, and we built a new you with atoms we took out, and put them exactly in the same place...OK

Which is you, the one whose atoms have been replaced or the new constructed you, using the old atoms?

A sort of 'Theseus paradox' or 'Triggers broom' as we call it in the UK.

Last nights 'Story of science' was outstanding if a little disturbing, it looks as though I'm not a free man after all.