FWIW, "Life Itself" is inadequate for me to read Rosen with any sympathy. I would also recommend a copy of Anticipatory Systems. E.g. o, Rosen seems to cite [†] this from von Neumann [‡]:
>> All these are very crude steps in the direction of a systematic theory of >> automata. They represent, in addition, only one particular direction. This >> is, as I indicated before, the direction towards forming a rigorous concept >> of what constitutes "complication." They illustrate that "complication" on >> its lower levels is probably degenerative, that is, that every automaton >> that can produce other automata will only be able to produce less >> complicated ones. There is, however, a certain minimum level where this >> degenerative characteristic ceases to be universal. At this point automata >> which can re produce themselves, or even construct higher entities, become >> possible. This fact, that complication, as well as organization, below a >> certain minimum level is degenerative, and beyond that level can become self >> - supporting and even increasing, will clearly play an important role in any >> future theory of the subject. [†] Rosen, "Anticipatory Systems", pp 321-322. Pergamon Press, 1985. [‡] von Neumann, "The General and Logical Theory of Automata", p 318. In Taub, "Collected Works". On 10/30/18 6:27 AM, John Kennison wrote: > I am going to wait until I receive my copy of Rosen's "Life Itself" which I > ordered, and which is due art the end of this week. I want to take another > look at what Rosen promised (or seemed to promise) and what he delivered. -- ∄ uǝʃƃ ============================================================ FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College to unsubscribe http://redfish.com/mailman/listinfo/friam_redfish.com FRIAM-COMIC http://friam-comic.blogspot.com/ by Dr. Strangelove
