Multi-tiered Coordinated Planning
A Challenging Project
One of the most complicated projects ever undertaken by humanity is the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). ITER is a large-scale scientific experiment aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of nuclear fusion as a large-scale and carbon-free source of energy. 35 countries are involved in this project.
The ITER project is an example of multi-tiered coordinated planning:
- Advanced Technology: It requires cutting-edge technology to create and maintain the extreme conditions necessary for nuclear fusion, including temperatures of over 150 million degrees Celsius.
- International Collaboration: Coordinating skills and material contributions from multiple countries, each bringing different technologies, standards, and expertise.
- Engineering Challenges: The reactor’s components must be precisely manufactured and assembled to withstand the intense conditions inside the reactor.
Construction platform for the ITER project -- Image source: https://www.iter.org/
An Exceptionally Challenging Project
But now consider another very much larger and more complex project, and imagine that you are the principle Project Manager (often called the Program Manager). Each of the projects below are required to be individually managed with skillful planning for the successful completion of the overall program. These projects will not necessarily be sequential, but some will need to be completed before the initiation of other projects. Nevertheless, all projects must be completed by intelligent, carefully coordinated planning.
How would you organise and execute these projects, to present them to your employer as completed, successful tasks? And how will you coordinate these projects to complete the entire program successfully?
PROJECTS REQUIRING COORDINATED PLANNING
Atoms
Project Tier 1
The smallest components will require a set of built-in laws that will enable the atom to function as a building block for other, larger components.
They must also include properties and functionality that will enable the completion of subsequent projects.
But isolated atoms are of no use, until they are deployed in later projects.
Molecules
Project Tier 2
This project will use the attributes and properties of the first project, Tier 1, to produce a more complex building block capable of interacting meaningfully with a variety of other molecules.
Molecules must also include all the properties and functionality that will enable the successful completion of each of the subsequent projects.
But isolated molecules are of no use, until they are deployed in later projects.
Cells
Project Tier 3
Cells will be composed of multiple molecules created in the Tier 2 project. Each cell will contain billions of complex organic machines for the performance of a variety of duties that benefit the cell as a whole.
Cells will also perform production tasks for the benefit of other cells.
They will also contain a list of instructions for the development and construction of spare parts that will be requested by the cells multiple machines as and when required.
The completed cells will have built-in functions including: self-defence, self-repair, self-monitoring, self-regulation, cell-autonomy, and self-reproduction.
But isolated cells are of no use, until they are deployed in later projects.
Cells of like-design must group together in preparation for Tier 4.
Organs
Project Tier 4
At this level, large critical components must be constructed based on the properties of the cells from Tier 3, each providing a purpose for the completed organisms in Tier 8.
Many billions of cells will be grouped in an ordered way to complete each organ.
The DNA blueprint must be built into the cells of body organs, enabling self-management and self-repair for each organ.
In addition, every organ is required to successfully coordinate with the activities of other organs, and will grow and function according to instructions provided in DNA.
These will also be produced in a variety of formats for different purposes.
But isolated organs are of no use, until they are deployed in the final project.
Stars
Project Tier 5
The successful completion of the first two projects, atoms and molecules, will have allowed for the development of stars, for the provision of light and energy.
These must have sufficient longevity to remain useful for a considerable time. They must also be self-perpetuating, and possess many other attributes to sustain their versatility.
However, stars are of no value unless life exists to make use of them.
Planets
Project Tier 6
Employing attributes and properties from Tiers 1, 2 and 5, planets will be developed; providing a safe, secure, and pleasant environment for the subsequent production of life in Tier 8.
Planets will depend, for their "pleasant environment," on the successful completion of previous Tiers.
However, planets are of no value unless life exists to make use of them.
Galaxies
Project Tier 7
Galaxies must become islands for many billions of stars.
They will also serve as nurseries for the perpetual automatic production of additional stars, and the assimilation of the material of stars that have died.
Stars produced in Tier 5, will have additional properties when grouped together by gravity. Therefore, by means of gravity, dark matter, and dark energy, the vast cosmic web will provide a nursery for the perpetual self-management of galaxies and of the universe as a whole.
However, none of the items produced in all of these projects will be of any value, unless life exists to make use of them.
Life
Project Tier 8
At this level, the purpose of the previous projects becomes apparent.
All previous projects must be complete and signed off before the inception of this project.
Only by using the complete set of body organs (as per the blueprint) produced in Tier 4 can life function adequately. Only by providing energy and light in Tier 5, can life be possible and continue to be sustained. And only by completing Tiers 6 & 7 can life have an adequate and pleasant environment.
When all required components from Tier 4 (namely a full set of body organs) have been detailed in the blueprint of DNA, and the first examples of each form of life are created, this will qualify as the finished product and the completion, not only of this Tier, but of the entire program.
The DNA blueprint must be built into these initial forms of life, enabling continuous self-perpetuation for each kind.
Life will thus be produced in a variety of formats, using different organ formations and features, selecting from the extensive variety of characteristics developed in Tiers 3 & 4.
This will contribute to the immense variety of plant and animal life, in addition to human life.
Intrinsic "Laws"
Imagine how enormous the list of items would be, if we include everything from the tiniest ultramicroscopic particles to the enormous galactic cosmic web! As is made clear from the above multi-project exercise, every object in that progressive list is subject to intrinsic immutable “laws” or properties (the “laws of physics”) that are each independent yet are all in perfect harmony like an enormous exquisite symphonic masterpiece.
Scientists struggle even to understand many of these laws, but they are unable to explain their origin -– i.e. although there are theories that attempt to describe the origin of “matter,” no serious attempt is made to explain empirically the origin of these critical, physical, fundamental “laws.”
Like a beautiful and well-crafted jigsaw, all the items in the aforementioned "list" fit perfectly together to accomplish the overall "project" of an expanding, ever-changing universe well-suited for life.
Therefore, if evolution itself was in the dock, without a doubt the barrister would persist with the question, "Where did these laws come from"?
What is your conclusion?
© Copyright 2024, Michael A. Barber. All rights reserved.
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