Is There Anybody(thing) Out There??

One of the most important thing Humans have been grappling with since they started thinking is 'Is there anybody out there?' and is it intelligent and relatable and more importantly malevolent, benevolent or indifferent.

Obviously this doesn't mean other humans and 'real world' identifiable intelligences in nature, it means 'supernatural' concepts that we can only infer or deduce from observing The Not Me (or the Me) and not prove conclusively at this point in time.

How do we Supra-agnostically approach the search for 'God' (or similar entity)? The Search for intelligence is a key aspect of the three Door In the Mountain Projects and dealt with in more detail there, but this page provides an introduction to the possible thought processes

Hidden Intelligence and Implied Entity Type Flow Chart

Overview

This flow chart seeks to define a 'thought experiment' method of enquiry into Hidden Intelligences, it starts with the question is there a 'Hidden intelligence'?

By definition we can not find it using currently accepted 'Scientific Methodology' and so this is the first point of the thought experiment that needs to be accepted.

It then defines all the general motivations that this intelligence, it it exists, may have in regard to us (or The Me), how this defines our place in the Universe in the Orange Boxes (from the hidden intelligences point of view or generally if there is not such thing).

Finally, if the particular path is actually true, what major questions should be asked in the Green Lozenges.

A supra agnostic approach is to give all outcomes equal credibility and them answer the questions as if they are valid for any given 'true state' of existence, thus be able to deal with all conceivable models involving Hidden Intelligences or the lack thereof.

It should be possible to classify all concepts of 'Hidden Intelligence' using this flowchart to deduce our entity type in respect to the intelligence. It will of course be necessary to make various assumptions based on observation, exploring the concepts in more detail or, in the case of religions, studying scripture or current religious cannon.

General Concepts

Hidden Intelligence

There could of course be several hidden intelligences and a single hidden intelligence may have several agenda's or their agendas may change over time.

Hidden intelligence could be:-

1. Gods (omnipotent or not)
2. Demons
3. Aliens
4. Inter dimensional entities
5. Secret human organisations
6. Our sub-consciousnesses
7. Gaia (The planets or Bios systems consciousness)
8. The Universe's functional intelligence that is a consequence of the laws of physics, if it can have a complex agenda.
9. Ourselves or our ancestors from the future

and probably several other entities and concepts.

It applies to anything that influences our existence, past, present and future that is hidden from us, currently.

Universe Laws

The fact there are laws that govern how the Universe functions at all levels is generally accepted by all philosophies.
Points of uncertainty and thus dispute are exactly what these laws are and to what extent any Hidden Intelligences can manipulate or even override them at will.

There are however two perspectives that do not require Hidden Intelligences, and specifically exclude them:-

The Clockwork Universe Perspective

The Clockwork Universe postulates that everything works according to a set of absolute and immutable, laws that are ultimately explainable, understandable and repeatable.

The chain of cause and effect is absolute (or if not it, how it is not also follows laws). Thus it can be postulated that if one were to replay the universe, exactly the same thing would happen again, every event being composed of millions of minor events that would always happen in the same way.

Everything is repeatable and explainable, any probability gaps are just rule systems as yet not understood. The mechanisms of the clock are ultimately determined and things we can not explain are still cogs we cannot see. Quantum uncertainty as explored below is just another layer that is also deterministic but at a lower level, its apparent uncertain mechanism is an illusion created by our inability currently to full observe and explain what is going on.

It is the world of computer simulations (not quantum computers perhaps) where every instruction and process is know and as with computers there are no truly random events as they can not be created (Randomness in non quantum computers is simulated using long number sequences that appear random, but are in fact predictable).

This model of the universe is still prevalent among those that can not accept or understand Quantum mechanics as it is represented.

The Uncertain Universe Perspective

Quantum Mechanics

Since the advent of Quantum Mechanics a new perspective on the laws of the Universe can be extrapolated, that of uncertainty, this is in a simple statement restricts how much information can be known about the state and the processes at the lowest level of reality.

It moves the measurements of low level particles and increasingly larger entity characteristics from the absolute certainty of known values into the realms of probability. This in turn means that it is also not possible to predict with certainty what will happen as these characteristics change and thus outcomes are no longer clockwork and predictable but to some degree more random.

More importantly it postulates these can never be known, it is not just a case of improving our measurement ability, or theories, they are fundamentally unknowable.

A related concept is that it is not possible to determine when a individual particle, say an electron will jump from one energy state to another or when am atom will decay, it is a random event, within a wide set of possibilities, in the past it could be assumed there was a lower level process that of we only understood it would allow us to look at particle and say this will decay in precisely X time units, uncertainty indicates this may never be possible.

For more detailed analysis of they philosophical aspects of Quantum Mechanics and associated/similar theories see discussions under Probability Gaps.

The Sum of Unpredictability

There are a couple of general points that relate to what I have termed the 'Uncertain Universe'

1. In practice the combined effect of all of these unpredictable and unmeasurable individual events however do sum up to create overall predictable behaviour for the system they belong to that looks a lot like a clockwork Universe (Hence why for centuries scientists have interpreted the Universe as such).
2. The fact we can not measure aspect of reality at the scale of atoms and sub atomic particles does not mean that at that level that laws are not still being followed and if we develop more advanced forms of maths we may be able to model them, although it is still possible that we will only be able to see the effects that these laws cause they cause and not look beyond this effect into the mechanisms that drive them.
3. However it introduces some key differences from the true Clockwork Universes, one is the possibility of random occurrences that will be different each time the universe is run, hence in this scenario rewinding time will probably not result in exactly the same course of events occurring. This does not however mean that the laws themselves change (though it could), just how those laws can manifest and thus what the possibilities are.

In reference to the principal of Continuance below it could actually enhance the ability to promote it by providing more opportunities each time the universe is 'run' or in different parallel continuance domains. Certainly it would be needed to create mutations and changes that stretch the laws. However the true scope and thus impact of the uncertain randomness of this type of Universe is limited as the genie of chaos is firmly contained within the laws of probability that make exceptions to the predicted outcome rare (but still of course they occur).

Thus in conclusion in a world without Hidden Intelligences 'The Uncertain Universe' is more probable then the 'True Clockwork Universe' and it strangely enough also provides a place for the Hidden Intelligence's to hide.

Why Irrelevant?

Looking at the Complex Map of reality, it is possible that Hidden Intelligences exist within our Known universe in all levels from 0 to 5 and in the unknown, but if it can be postulated that have no actual effect on us, then they are effectively irrelevant and can be ignored.

This means no effect at all, not via proxy or by initiating a chain of events elsewhere that has a cascade effect on us no matter how small.

There is also one aspect that would also normally make them irrelevant and that is if they had enacted action in the past that affects our present and now have ceased to be involved and have will never be involved. Thus a Hidden Intelligence that kicked off the Universe and then retired, could still be classified as malevolent of benevolent in motivation but apart from that the laws of the universe perspective as opposed to the ongoing motivations of the Hidden Intelligence would take precedence.

There are two main reasons why a Hidden Intelligence might exist but be irrelevant and thus effectively default us back to the rules of the universe based perspective.

Does Not or Can Not Assert Power

A Hidden intelligence that exists but does not or can not assert itself in a way, being different from asserting itself in a hidden way is irrelevant.

Examples are:

1. An Alien Race who's sole purpose is to observe and not interfere does not asset its power due to its own polices.
2. A Secret Human Organisation that mainly specialises in secret symbols to identify it members but does not actually any members in positions of power that can affect us

Has No Agenda Involving Me

A Hidden Intelligence that exists but has no agenda concerning us is also irrelevant.

Examples are:-

1. A God that has a no interference policy to ensure free will can manifest,.
2. Interdimensional Entities that regard us as just transitory manifestations of the laws of on dimension of more interest then dust mites. (though of course we are interested in dust mites, so probably not a perfect analogy).

What is a Malevolent Agenda?

A Malevolent Agenda can be perceived subjectively from either side or objectively judged against some universal moral standard.

It is possible that a Hidden Intelligence may from its own subjective view have what it perceives as a benevolent attitude to us, but in reality it is up to us to define how we perceive the actions (or surmised actions) of the Hidden Intelligence.

For example our subconscious, if it acts like a Hidden Intelligence, may be affecting us in ways that it believes will ensure our survival, but it is in fact it is causing more problems because it has no or an insufficient understanding of modern life and is still assuming we are cave men.

If there was an objective moral standard then something that causes pleasure or pain is probably not universal enough it would have to be linked to preventing #Continuance, directly or by preventing us becoming part of a continuance domain or something like supressing development and self autonomy (although a from first principals argument would have to be made as to why these are globally desirable and should not be suppressed).

What is a Benevolent Agenda?

In the same way as a Malevolent Agenda can be both subjective and objective a Benevolent Agenda can also be.

Unlike an Malevolent Agenda, a benevolent agenda can also be a limited benevolent agenda based on the perception that the Hidden Intelligence has of us and how true that perception is.

For example a creator god may perceive us as no more then resources to be farmed for our adoration, this may be regarded by us as an overall Malevolent attitude as it suppresses our development and autonomy, but if the creator God made us that way and truly defined what we are and can ever be, then within the scope of what is possible farming us for our love and looking after us as favoured livestock or pets is the best we can hope for.

It would thus be a limited Benevolence, limited by our capability and design, but as we can imagine so much more (also which must be in our design) this would indeed suck.

Implied Entity Types

These represent what is implied to the type of entity we are based on the perception of the Hidden Intelligence. Whether we should embrace these perceptions depends on how powerful that entity is at asserting its perception of us on us.

An alien Hidden Intelligence that perceives us as a resource to be farmed or a threat to be suppressed will probably have their perception challenged with violence. If there is an omnipotent and prescient God that perceives us as Children to be punished or rewarded according to its moral code, then our challenge may be less effective.

No Hidden Intelligences - Entity Types

The entity types can be postulated if there are no Hidden Intelligences basically rely on other models of reality. There are surprisingly few, firstly because there is a general consensus in these areas nowadays and the absence of the Hidden Intelligence perspectives the diversity within the model is severely curtailed.

At this stage I can identify only two.

Quantum Uncertainty Summarised Entity (QUSE)

The Machines with A Ghost within??

The most probable Hidden Intelligence free definition of us is that we are a function of a perceived clockwork universe that is as summary of quantum effects and rules. These rules provide a rigid and powerful set of behaviours and processes that pervade every aspect of our being both Moving inwards to our core being, and Downwards to our component parts and outwards to our extended self and upwards to the wider universe. However despite these rules there is also scope for randomness and uncertainty, that may be a greater concept then just another hidden set of rules and thus open possibilities that are not in the rule book and can never be. What this means is hard to speculate but it is a crack in edifice of law that might become a Door in the Mountain to another place and be a path to true free will and self determination.

Chemical Reaction Explainable Entity (CHEE)

Just Machines

The other version of us that can be postulated is one where we are a function of the Chemical Reactions (which are an expression of the laws of the Universe) The quantum levels are basically the same thing just not understood or observable, there is no randomness and uncertainty and ultimately all the mechanisms of the Universe that appear so now will be explained eventually. Ultimately the No Hidden Intelligences purpose of Continuance is valid and there is an implied plan even if it just an inevitable function of complex laws of the Universe. The Door in the Mountain in this case is understanding every cog and system in the clockwork and ultimately being able to manipulate it. If we follow the continuance domain path this is probably inevitable for our descendants if not for us.

Malevolent Hidden Intelligence - Entity Types

Undesirable Requiring Suppression Entity (URSE)

The Persecuted

With this Hidden Intelligences Malevolent agendas it is hard to conceive of as to how the Hidden Intelligence can perceive this agenda as benevolent. Suppression means to act to diminish to the point of destruction the Entity that is the target, i.e. in this case, us. Possible Hidden intelligences that perceive us this way could be:- Aliens that are secretly working on invasion plans. Secret organisations bent on destroying us, our race or beliefs or social group. Few religions, if any, have this as an entity type in their cannon as to destroy is ultimately to release, see The Death backstop. Questions and responses that an Entity labelled as this are here.

Undesirable Requiring Containment Entity (URCE)

The Prisoners

In this case the Entity is basically a prisoner being contained by the actions of the Hidden Intelligence. While the entity may feel imprisoned the fact the Hidden Intelligence is responsible is obviously .. hidden.

The malevolence in this case is the denial of liberty although as the imprisonment is hidden so probably is what it means to be liberated. The Hidden intelligence may also believe it is acting benevolently see Secured And Contained Entity (SACE)

Possible Hidden intelligences that perceive us this way could be:-

1. An interstellar coalition that views the Human race as a dangerous organism that should not be allowed out into the wider galaxy.
2. A supernatural entity that has managed to contain us individually to protect the dimension or plain we may have threatened.

Questions and responses that an Entity labelled as this are here.

Punished and Contained Entity (PACE)

The Condemned

This Agenda is a favourite of the Hidden Intelligences behind several world religions as an eventual fate for those that don't comply with some behaviour pattern or even set of characteristics.

It obviously malevolent to the those being contained and punished and is probably the worst agenda that an entity can be subjected to as there is often no end to both the containment and the punishment.

Apart from the aforementioned major religions some philosophies have it that our current reality is both a containment and a punishment, which is a definite glass half empty view on life.

Questions and responses that an Entity labelled as this are here.

Farmed and Harvested Entity (FAHE)

The Livestock

To be perceived as livestock or a resource to be farmed and periodically or completely harvested can be regarded as suffering under a malevolent agenda.

Though it is probably the least malevolent of those listed here as the Entity has value and ongoing value if periodically harvested and at least an end if finally harvested.

That said it is still not a desired state.

Questions and responses that an Entity labelled as this are here.

Benevolent Hidden Intelligence - Entity Types

Student In Training Entity (SITE)

The Students

Secured And Contained Entity (SACE)

The Children

Rewarded and Contained Entity (RACE)

The Lotus Eaters

Valued Exchange Resource Entity (VERE)

The Adults

Great Questions For Entities to Ask

Basic Purposes That Underlie Existence

The main question is what is the purpose of my existence, which then leads to how should I live to fulfil this purpose? Well we need to seek different answers based on how we perceive our role in the Universe and we can formulate several different answers based on different options for Hidden intelligences.

The place to start would seem to be they don't exist at all (or effectively do not).

No Hidden Intelligences

Pleasure and Pain

It we cut away all purposes related to Hidden Intelligences then what is the purpose of an entity in a universe without Hidden Intelligences? From an individual perspective we can say that all humans (and most forms of life) want to:-

1. Avoid Pain (whatever the perceive it to be) and thus will react to the application of the 'stick'.
2. Seek Pleasure (again whatever they perceive it to be) and thus will pursue the 'carrot'

Despite the fact these are probably the only two purposes that can be shown to exist, the complexities of the human condition, cause even the atheists to look for more purposes to guide their lives.
It should also be noted that these will be shown below as tools to achieve a purpose rather then a purpose in their own right.

So what other purposes could be postulated, apart from these two basic drives (and all of their extrapolations, e.g. I help people because it gives me pleasure).

Finding Other Purposes

If there are No Hidden Intelligences than we must assume that 'the processes of a universe follow rules that are built into that universe' (There are many digressions and expansions on this basic statement but it is a good start).

This is also sometimes known as the Clockwork Universe, and as outlined above there are probably now at least two perspectives, the true clockwork and the Uncertain Universe or Quantum Clockwork Universe, on this concept now.

So if we are within a Clockwork Universe (from either perspective) can there be any purpose from humans apart from the pleasure/pain related drives?

Lets try working conceptually backwards, perhaps we can extract an additional purpose from these built in rules of the Universe?

1. Humans are a subset of the phenomena called life.
2. Life is defined by biological processes and associated rules.
3. Biological processes are an expansion of chemical processes.
4. Chemical processes are an expansion of the laws of physics.
5. The law of physics are built into the universe, as are in practice, the ways they can be expanded.

So if this conceptual chain is true can an alternative purpose manifest at any point in it?

Looking at a chemical process, chemical reactions have the following characteristics:-

1. The consume resources and convert them to other resources.
2. They will continue to do this until the source resources are depleted.
3. The reaction will move to where there are more source resources.

It seems that purpose of a chemical reaction is to continue 'reacting' for as long a possible, thus does this then flows up the conceptual chain to life and humans?

Continuance

Thus we could imply that the purpose of life (as a subset of reality) is probably to continue as long as possible.
Thus the purpose of Human life must also be to continue existing either as individuals or as a biological pattern(genes) or perhaps even to ensure the continued existence of the Humansphere (see below).

Thus anything that ensures continuance is 'on purpose', anything that does not is 'off purpose'.

It would make sense that pleasure and pain purposes would synchronise with this purpose, curiously they don't always, which is worthy of more extensive analysis at some point and could indicate a flaw in the logic, an error in the processes or a probability gap.

The next section will introduce concepts of Continuance Domains that will be coloured blue and Continuance Axes that will be coloured Red

Expanding Domains of Continuance

It is possible to extrapolate from the principal of continuance to a host of different perspectives and thus explain such things as self sacrifice and altruism.

To do this we need to look at Domains of 'cooperative continuance', and see where this ends up.

A Domain of Cooperative Continuance is a group of elements that 'cooperate' or are 'complimentary' within the domain (defined by various axes) to improve the ability of the group as a whole to continue and generally thus as a result themselves.
This will be explored in more details below.

If a purpose engendered by the Laws of Physics is Continuance, then it is possible to postulate that a purpose of the Universe itself is continuance, by virtue that laws dictate this and the universe is defined by its laws.

We can also observe that continuance is often achieved within these laws by complexity, the more complex a grouping is and the systems contained with it is the better chance of continuance it has. For example a more advanced lifeform has more options to ensure its continuance then a less advanced as has a more complex biochemical reaction then a simple chemical reaction.

We should also, at some point, look at the force(s) or effect(s) that complex systems are attempting to overcome to ensure continuance, but as these are also part of the laws of the universe, we will hold this digression for now and just assume they exist.

So lets look at some Domains of Continuance. The continuance domains that have been identified below do overlap to some extent, but this is also part of the laws of the universe.

Note the term drive is used to mean a tendency in a direction and not a intelligent or emotional motivation.

• Physics
  

Do the laws of Physics themselves have a drive to continuance, this requires a definition of where physics ends and chemistry begins, but we can say, there is a drive to stability.

For example

• Eight electrons in the outer valance ring.
• Electrons seeking to move to particular energy states.
  

An analysis of this area verges on the quantum realm which will be discussed later, so we will make this the level that sets the mechanisms without exploring it further at this point

• Chemical
  

We can say this level has a definitely observable drive to continuance, as already mentioned.

A singular chemical reaction will following the laws of the Universe being driven to continue by seeking reactive resources until there are none or something else supresses it.
This is however a domain of one element and the ultimate base the other domains are built on.

• Complex Chemical
  

Fortunately for us on our planet all the singular chemical reactions didn't reach an equilibrium and thus the planet died and continuance ended.

The manifestation of the laws of the Universe ensured that a continuous set of cycling reactions developed where in simplest form reaction A burnt fuel X to create product Y and reaction B consumed fuel Y to create product X.

This is obviously a gross over simplification and its possible that fuel X was in plentiful supply and product Y became product Z, there probably was and is no point of stability, just sufficient combined factors to facilitate complex chemical continuance.

So in the theorised pools of complex chemicals where life originated on this planet it only got to the next stage becomes some of the pools were balanced chemically and could continue long enough for the next leap.

• Cellular
  

Why did cellular (or other structurally self contained) life evolve?

Probably because the greater complexity supports the 'purpose' of the universe, that of continuance.

A geographically isolated system can create a more optimally controlled set of Complex Chemical continuances that can be protected from anti-continuance effects in the greater environment.

It was inevitable following the laws of the Universe (that complexity leads to continuance) and from our own observation of the way the universe works, that more successful Complex Chemical reactions in Cellular form would continue for longer, both as individuals and as a Type .

This is a continuance domain that people might recognise as it is a self contained simple lifeform, with the domain border (axis) being (probably) Geographical.
Although as there are more then one of these entities the axis Type applies and a proto identity begins to exist.

• Multi-Cellular
  

Do single cellular organisms have less chance of continuance then multi cellular organisms?

There are still singular cellular organisms out there today but the laws of the universe seem to imply they do, probably because of specialisation and better invulnerability to the anti continuance effects.

It is also probably about increased control of resources, the more chemical reactions controlled the less dependency on outside unreliable resources, and eventually being able to travel to where external resources are.

We now have a bigger continuance domain that encompasses all the cells that form it, but at this stage the Type access expands, the Multi-cellular entity has both Geographical border and the internal consistence of Type that defines its genus.

The concept of Identity also expands as the 'individual' elements in the organism are identified as part of that organism first and as what they individually is second.

• Complex Organisms
  

While it may occur at the simple Multi-Cellular continuance domain level, the next level introduces the concept of Identity and individual sacrifice that contribute to it (an important concept at higher domain levels).

Cellular and Multi-Cellular systems had their own identity, for example skin, liver cells, bones and now this is suppressed for the benefit of the organism as whole.

Continuance is defined as continuance of the whole organism and individual parts will be sacrificed to ensure its continuance, fat cells will be consumed, cells will self destruct to prevent infection etc.

At this continuance domain the other obvious 'purposes' seeking pleasure and avoiding pain start to manifest.
They can be seen as just tools to drive the organism tor continuance, but as discussed there is not a perfect mapping, some of these imperfections can be explained at higher continuance domains.

• Genetic Group
  

We obviously have Geographical, Type and Identity continuance axes, but at this level (although also to some degree also at lower levels) we have physical Pattern continuance axis in the form of genetic material, the Pattern continuance axis expand on Type axis to personalise Type at a very low level.

Despite the fact that some theorise we are in fact merely mechanisms to allow our genes to continue, it could be postulated that these are just mechanism to allow the Cellular domains to continue, which are just mechanisms to allow Complex Chemical domains to continue and so on.

However really it is just the laws of the universe that are winning here because the all of the lower levels now would sacrifice or compromise their own individual continuance to allow the continuance domain they belong to to survive.
At this level the domain being defined by the axis of Pattern as a whole to continue, one example is the complex organism may sacrifice itself to preserve its offspring.

We can then rank continuance axes in order of priority, currently Pattern is first (genes, species or genus) then Identity (Belonging to a Complex Organisms) and then Type and finally Geography

This is not a matter of choice or free will, this is a law of the universe, higher complexity is a priority for continuance, because it ensures more effective continuance, or perhaps complexity is a purpose in its own right or both are symbiotic purposes.

Talking about symbiosis this is one of several pre intelligence continuance sub-domains where various entities not related by the Pattern axis work together to ensure continuance, cooperative behaviour in certain environments between species that are not related to each other is relatively common and this can be seen as a rudimentary social continuance domain, see below. This supports the principle that complexity as a way of enhancing continuance is hard wired into the laws of the universe and how they are expanded.

The continuance domains up to this point can be mapped to well established theories about chemistry, biology, survival of the fittest, evolution etc. This is thus a border of sorts between these established scientific theories and more complex speculations of the manifestation of these laws of the universe into even more complex systems and as could be expected its where humans and human intelligence comes in. Note of course there are fields such as sociology and psychology that are beginning to investigate the next levels but they may not be approaching the problem with same methodologies as the more 'physical evidence' led scientific fields.

• Intelligence
  

The manifestation of intelligence and interactive consciousness that allows us to utilise and observe intelligence is a feature of this domain. It engenders a new axis of continuance, Information. Information is different from Pattern because though it can be created by a biological organism it then exist outside the biological organism that created it and can be enhanced by others and has an existence of its own. It can be relayed and stored in multiple media, spoken and written language and computer data of various forms.

It is another step in complexity and a continuance domain that can supersede the Complex Organisms and even the Pattern based continuance Genetic Group ideas and concepts can survive for generations and individuals will sacrifice themselves for these domains.

Just with other self sacrifice systems at the lower level, they don't do it for any noble cause or manifestation of free will, it is a clockwork mechanism hardwired into the laws of the universe.

All indications are that it goes to the front of the priority list, though this continuance domain exists in its own right its main affect on our part of the universe is facilitating the next domains.

• Social and Cultural Structures
  

While the primary axis in Chemical domains is probably Geography, in Cellular, Type etc...n Information is the primary axis in Social and Cultural Structures also referred to as the Humansphere.

These axis also map to the Stages of Evolution which are :-

Stages of evolution and how they map to continuance domains

Evolutionary Phase	Primary Continuance Domain(s)	Primary Continuance Axis
Chemical evolution	Chemical, Complex Chemical	Geographical
Bio-chemical evolution	Cellular	Type
Cooperative Evolution	Multi Cellular, Complex Organisms	Identity
Biological evolution	Genetic Group	Pattern
Social evolution	Intelligence, Social and Cultural Structures	Information
Biosphere evolution	Biosphere	Resource Compatibility
Self evolution	Self-Definition	Adaption

Complexity also increases and self sacrifice of the elements of the continuance domain for the good of the domain continues, except the elements are now entire biological organisms.

Social structures include:-

Social structures that are diminishing in this domain include

1. Genetic Family, this is being replaced by situational family in more leading edge cultures including adoption, multi part dispersed family groups and the diminishing of family ties in relation to other social groups etc
2. Race is also not so prevalent now due to the effects of multi culturalism, while due to oscillations in change effects there is currently a surge race awareness, this is mainly to address remedial problems, the general trend is to race blindness.

Both of these groupings relied on the continuance axis of Pattern that is diminishing in this domain.

Groupings that rely on the axis of the Information axis include:-

1. Tribe, basically any social grouping and more then just an ancient tribe, it includes all social groupings such as a religion, philosophy, political parties, schools, workplaces and corporations, sports club, etc.
2. Nation, humans still very much look to achieving continuance of their nation and its cultural identity.

All of these groupings form part of the Social and Cultural Structures domain and the continuance of individuals in them is often considered as not as important as the continuance of the domain, many would self sacrifice for their domain in the same way as cells would self sacrifice for their body. Equally there are some in both domains that would not.

One of the characteristics about the domain system is as you go to higher domains you get an increases in complexity, but also increase in speed of change, adaptability and response to threat. Each domain encompasses more individual points of data that can act in a concerted way with more heterogeneity under the auspices of the domain that can be leveraged to respond to threat.

A negative aspect of domain increase is that overall it increase the homogeneity of the larger domains, which while it reduces internal conflict in the domain it also reduces the capacity of the higher domains to respond to threat. For example if the domain that defines a particular lifestyle, for example the Amish community, is absorbed into a greater domain of American mainstream culture then they will be vulnerable to lifestyle related threats for example an illness. In practice there does appear to be a social drive to cultural preservation and individuality within a Homogenous society to allow us to leverage heterogenic advantages and still act as a united continuance domain, this also appears to be hardwired into the laws of the universe. Heterogeneity versus Homogeneity is discussed in more detail here.

Social structures tend to grow to increase all their axis to provide better contingency and thus logically we might say there is a drive to bigger and bigger grouping and there is some evidence of this with large political blocks, global social tribes and mega corporations, some might also expect a world government at some point. Though Social and Cultural Structures domains are relatively young in the whole system of continuance domains and the we appear to be still processing the instructions written in the fabric of the universe of how they will eventually manifest.

Ultimately one would expect that all humanity may become a single continuance domain (hence the world government) and to some degree we are heading that way even though world government is some way off, international cooperation by political block and even globally to respond to a crises is manifesting and the laws of the universe have supplied the communication systems and technology to facilitate it practically.

• Biosphere
  

Another Consequence of Intelligence and the Information axis is the extension of the effect of Social and Cultural Structures to include none human elements, this domain requires Intelligence as it requires an overriding of the continuance axis Pattern by a higher effect in much the same way that Social and Cultural Structures does with Information.

Examples of this are human beings and other complex organism apparently sacrificing there personal continuance for the Biosphere

Human activity such as veganism, environmental activism, species preservation etc are all behaviours that identify the continuance domain as the entire Biosphere and this behaviour follows the same rules as previous domains, identify a continuance domain greater then the individual (which includes individual humans and entire human social groups, for example nations) and the domain is of course more complex to all previous domains.

The fact that there is a logical reason for us to preserve the Biosphere for our own survival while obvious is part of the expression of the laws and thus these laws force it to be obvious. We also get variants on viewpoint where humans are regarded as the problem and some more extreme, perhaps emotionally driven would even advocate human removal from the Biosphere.

The axis for this continuance domain is Resource Compatibility from a logical point of view as we depend on a functional Biosphere to ensure the continuance of all the elements within it.

We can clearly see the effects of not extending our continuance domain to cover it. Regardless of emotional attachment (which could be a way that the laws manifest for those who don't have the time or capacity to think it through) it is logical that we protect the environment due to all the compatible resources in it that ensure our continuance. Animals to farm, plants to harvest and utilise and even drugs and substances in biological structures, not of course forgetting oxygen, water and other basics.

It is incredible that the Biosphere is so useful but ultimately this is what the laws of the universe dictated would happen at the beginning of the universe, it is an expected consequence rolled up in the complexity of the rule book of our existence.

The Next Level of Domains of Continuance

What can we predict about possible domains of continuance as we move out from our home biosphere and into the galaxy? Well any multi planet or multi solar continuance domains will cover 'Human space based civilisation' and the Biosphere that Humans take with them, but highly probable other compatible Biospheres that Human and their Biospheres can interact with will exist and be added to the expanding domain on the basis of the Resource Compatibility continuance axis.

Although as Resource Compatibility may not be total, another axis will need to come in play, that of Chosen Adaption, this is a function of continuance domain of true Self definition where intelligence and aligned interests with other Biospheres and other Intelligences requires alliances and alignments that cant be developed fast enough using other axis.

• Self definition
  

Conceptual continuance domains that are self defined will then leverage Adaptions, where humans and the biospheres will consciously control their evolution to align with other continuance domains.

This could be adapting to :-

1. Multi planet environments
2. Multi Solar and non planet environments
3. Interactions with other intelligent species.

All will require self evolution to facilitate the increased complexities these continuance domains represent, both in terms of what domains are acceptable and how individuals and social and species groups fit into these new domains.
Earlier forms of evolution will be far too slow to ensure the establishment of continuance domains in time for them to be effective, following the general pattern of increasing speed to deal with increasing complexity represented by larger and larger domains.

• ....and beyond
  

It appears the laws of the universe are scalable and as they have existed since the creation of the universe (assuming that laws don't change and evolve themselves) they always were, this implies cooperation into bigger and bigger continuance domains is one of fundamental rules of how the universe works and if we extrapolate this this would imply that:-

1. Multi species and multi galaxy continuance domains would be an obvious progression, provided communications can make this possible (and evidence of the utility of other aspects of the universe would imply it will be)
2. The whole universe could become a continuance domain to ensure its own continuance.

Which brings us full circle, the universe has rules and laws that ensure its own continuance and our purpose is to perform our role in this as part of the clockwork mechanism of reality.

At the end of the universe the universe itself will be represented by the intelligence and capacity of the life it has engendered. That life is pre-programmed for continuance and if it performs its task (which it can not avoid doing) it will ensure the continuance of the universe.

Of course we probably need to work out what is counter to the continuance of the universe and all the domains within in it as already mentioned above.

What are the practical implications of the Continuance Purpose?

Well practically a Human needs to define the continence domains they identify with and ensure the success of that domain, be it themselves, their family, their political, religious or social group, Humansphere or the whole biosystem.

Wait... that's what everybody and every form of life does anyway isn't it? Well QED!

Of course you could rise above the pre-programmed laws of physics that dictate the drives of your humanity, but you would probably need an advanced philosophy and perspective to achieve this, one perhaps like Supra-Agnosticism?

Continuance Time Circle

An interesting thought experiment is why should an individual Human (or other lifeform) that has intelligence and the ability to attempt to override their 'programming' care that they are part of a bigger purpose or sacrifice themselves for this mechanism?

One possibility is the nature of information and the scalability of capability. It is possible that nothing is unachievable including time travel and extracting lost patterns and resources from the past (is anything truly lost?).

All life is a resource and the Resource Laws and Resource Compatibility dictate that resources should not be lost and wasted.

If we strive to make our continuance domains, genetics, social group or race dominant or influential in any meta-continuance domain our descendants will eventually be part of forging. They may just come back and get us and add us to the final list of immortals in the far future of intelligent life that will be necessary to ensure the continuance of the Universe and the final realisation of what the Universe is all about.

So work hard today and you could be part of the super cosmic jam far far into the future, and there will be one because the Universe's rule book states that this will be so.

Note this thought experiment has a high chance of working for the Clockwork Universe option but also probably works for the Uncertain Universe option.