The Mind and Sentience Explained by Emergent Properties

The Soul Concept Is Obsolete

I’d like to discuss emergent properties. Can you provide some for a lot of water molecules that aren’t found when analyzing a single one?

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When discussing emergent properties, we’re talking about characteristics that appear when components interact in a system but are not evident when observing those components in isolation. In the case of water molecules, there are several emergent properties that manifest only when you have a large collection of them interacting together, rather than just a single molecule. Here are some key examples:

1. Surface Tension: This is the elastic tendency of liquid surfaces that makes them acquire the least surface area possible. Surface tension allows insects (e.g., water striders) to walk on water. This property emerges from the cohesive forces between water molecules, which are not observable in a single molecule.
2. Capillary Action: This is the ability of water to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of, and in opposition to, external forces like gravity. It occurs because of the…