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The physics of symbols: bridging the epistemic cut
1Systems Science and Industrial Engineering Department, T.J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science, State University at Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, USA. pattee@binghamton.edu
Abstract:
Evolution requires the genotype-phenotype distinction, a primeval epistemic cut that separates energy-degenerate, rate-independent genetic symbols from the rate-dependent dynamics of construction that they control. This symbol-matter or subject-object distinction occurs at all higher levels where symbols are related to a referent by an arbitrary code. The converse of control is measurement in which a rate-dependent dynamical state is coded into quiescent symbols. Non-integrable constraints are one necessary condition for bridging the epistemic cut by measurement, control, and coding. Additional properties of heteropolymer constraints are necessary for biological evolution.
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