>e.g. a group of minds communicating very intensively and consistently
>about a fantasy deity will create an information structure with the
>characteristics of this deity. group members can interact with or
>participate in this information structure as if the deity exists.
>their experiences will reinforce the belief.
True, but that won't save them from an incendiary grenade no matter
how strongly they believe their deity will protect them.
Therefore, not all beliefs are self-fulfilling.
>if masturbation is defined as "endorphin optimization"...
>masturbation is a (highly mediagenic) metaphor of a radical
>reductionistic perspective on behavior.
Are endorphins necessary for behaviour? That would rule out
machines and software.
-- David McFadzean dbm@merak.com Memetic Engineer http://www.merak.com/~dbm/ Merak Projects Ltd.