Laws, constraints, and the modeling relation--history and interpretations

Area of Science:

• Complex Systems Theory
• Theoretical Biology
• Philosophy of Science

Background:

• Robert Rosen's work on anticipatory systems and the modeling relation is foundational in theoretical biology.
• The author collaborated with Rosen from 1970-1987, developing models for complex systems with non-integrable constraints.
• Rosen's work, particularly 'Anticipatory Systems' and 'Life Itself', presents distinct perspectives on modeling and its relation to life and evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To contrast Rosen's concept of the internal modeling relation within organisms (necessary for life and evolution) with the external modeling relation of the brain (necessary for understanding life).
• To compare the author's focus on the physical realization of abstract modeling relations and symbolic control for evolution with Rosen's formal, mathematical-symbol system approach.
• To analyze the divergence in Rosen's views on physics and evolution between 'Anticipatory Systems' and 'Life Itself'.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of Robert Rosen's key works: 'Anticipatory Systems' and 'Life Itself'.
• Conceptual framework contrasting formal relational conditions with physical realization conditions for modeling relations.
• Exploration of symbolic control mechanisms enabling open-ended evolution in complex systems.

Main Results:

• Rosen's work offers two complementary views on the modeling relation: internal to organisms for life, and external (brain) for understanding life.
• The author's approach emphasizes the physical basis and evolutionary implications of modeling relations, complementing Rosen's formalisms.
• Significant differences in Rosen's perspectives on physics and evolution across his publications are identified and discussed.

Conclusions:

• The modeling relation is crucial both for the existence of life and for our comprehension of it.
• Complementary approaches focusing on formal and physical aspects of modeling relations provide a richer understanding of complex systems and evolution.
• Further investigation into the evolution of Rosen's thought is warranted to fully grasp the nuances of his contributions to systems theory.