This video lecture by Michael Levin explores the concept of collective intelligence within biological systems, focusing on the multiscale architecture of selves. Levin argues that our understanding of human intelligence needs to move beyond a purely centralized, brain-focused perspective and consider the distributed, interconnected nature of intelligence throughout the body and even across multiple organisms. The lecture uses examples from various biological systems to support this argument and to highlight implications for biomedicine and our understanding of ourselves.
Distributed Intelligence: Intelligence isn't solely located in the brain; it's a distributed property across multiple scales, from molecular networks within cells to whole organisms and potentially beyond. Cells and tissues exhibit problem-solving capabilities and can adapt to changing circumstances.
Plasticity of Biological Systems: Biological systems exhibit remarkable plasticity, capable of reaching the same developmental outcomes through different pathways and with variations in genetic makeup, cell size, and cell number.
Bioelectricity and Communication: Bioelectric signaling plays a crucial role in coordinating cellular behavior and shaping anatomical structures. Manipulating bioelectric patterns can influence development and regeneration.
Regeneration and Homeostasis: Regeneration involves a homeostatic process where cells work together to restore a correct anatomical state. This process is not merely reactive but involves active problem-solving and the knowledge of a set point.
Cancer as a Disruption of Collective Intelligence: Cancer can be viewed as a disruption of the collective intelligence, where cells disconnect from the larger network and revert to a more self-centered, unicellular mode of behavior. Re-establishing these connections offers potential therapeutic strategies.
The Future of Biomedicine: The future of biomedicine lies in understanding and leveraging the collective intelligence of cells, employing communication and collaboration rather than micromanagement to guide development, regeneration, and disease treatment.
Levin uses several examples:
Frogs (Xenopus laevis): Eyes were grown on the tails of frogs. Despite the unconventional placement and lack of connection to the brain, the frogs could still see and learn using these eyes.
Planarians (flatworms): These worms can be cut into pieces, and each piece regenerates a whole worm, retaining memories even after brain regeneration. Specifically, planarians trained to find food in a specific location retain this memory even after decapitation and subsequent brain regrowth.
Butterflies: Levin discusses caterpillars trained to associate a specific color with food. This learned behavior persists even after metamorphosis into a butterfly, demonstrating that information is generalized and remapped onto the entirely different body and brain of the butterfly.
These examples demonstrate that the capacity for learning and adaptation isn't limited to a centralized brain but is distributed throughout the organism and robust to significant changes in body plan and neural architecture.
