IOW, if our machine is removed from the picture, would any other part of nature then cease to function? I would say no. Actually nature would probably be better off without our machine.
Our machine doesn't appear to have a function necessary to a larger planetary view.
Is there any part of nature that depends on the function our machine provides?
But does it necessarily matter in the context of this discussion whether or not the machine/function does serve the greater good? Even a self-serving purpose is still a purpose.
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