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Code-duality and the epistemic cut.

J Hoffmeyer1

  • 1Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. hoffmeyer@mermaid.molbio.ku.dk

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|May 20, 2000
PubMed
Summary
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This study explores the epistemic cut in living systems, proposing a third position that integrates dynamic and linguistic modes. It argues that even dynamic processes in organisms are semiotic, utilizing analog-coded knowledge within their structure and interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Systems Biology
  • Philosophy of Biology
  • Biosemiotics

Background:

  • Howard Pattee's concept of an epistemic cut separates observers from organisms, assigning a linguistic mode to life.
  • Evolutionary systems theorists often view life through thermodynamics or infodynamics, potentially overlooking unique biological properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To defend the epistemic cut concept without strictly adhering to Pattee's dynamic vs. linguistic mode distinction.
  • To propose a unified view of living systems where dynamic processes are inherently semiotic.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of existing theories on epistemic cuts and evolutionary systems.
  • Examination of semiotic processes within biological systems, focusing on information coding.

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Main Results:

  • Living systems operate through a semiotic mode, even in their dynamic aspects.
  • This semiotic mode utilizes index- and analog-coding, contrasting with symbolic and digital coding.
  • Tacit knowledge in organisms is embedded in macromolecular structure, organismic architecture, and bodily communication.

Conclusions:

  • The epistemic cut is a valid concept for understanding life's distinctiveness.
  • Dynamic biological processes are fundamentally semiotic, relying on analog information.
  • Biological organization and communication represent a form of embodied, analog-coded knowledge.