{The Soul [continued]}[26th October 1988]

[Redbook6:18-20][19881026:2035c]{The Soul [continued]}[26th October 1988]

.2035

[continued]

Although computer analogies* are risky, this one is useful because it tells us, not how it works, but that something analogous does actually occur.

A computer can perform certain basic functions without any disk-based software. On ‘Boot up’, the computer’s permanent read-only memory will set it up, test it, etc.. We have to imagine a computer which is constructed with more complex built-in procedures which, however, it can modify, in EPROMs (Erasable Programmable Read[-]Only Memory), a sort of semi-permanent memory. The Computer therefore individualises, differentiates or specialises itself as time goes by, in response to its perception of its environment, in accordance with its initial programme.**

But we have to imagine that this computer keeps and updates a back-up store, on disk, of its entire resident memory at any time – perhaps for safety reasons. The analogy is provided by the fact that neither of the computer nor the program can do anything without the other. The computer alone*** is identical to thousands of other computer ‘bodies’, and virtually useless. The program alone, i.e. on disk, tape, etc., is incapable of anything except existing – nevertheless it preserves the essence of the computer’s individuality, not in the nature of the disk but in the particular patterns of information recorded upon it. It is quite possible for that information to be transmitted over radio waves, so that over a long distance the only record existing of the entire program might consist of a pattern of energy travelling at the speed of light.

This much we already know, and it is not all that far from a disembodied Soul – although I should expect the information of the Soul to be recorded in non-physical form, at least after Death, since that is only an analogy.

*[for the brain/mind – see last previous entry]

**[This sounds rather like a simple description of Artificial Intelligence based on Machine Learning]

***(eg after the accidental deletion of all EPROMs)

[continues]

[PostedBlogger04062019]