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Top-down causation by information control: from a philosophical problem to a scientific research programme.
G Auletta1, G F R Ellis, L Jaeger
1Pontifical Gregorian University, 00187 Rome, Italy.
Journal of the Royal Society, Interface
|March 6, 2008
Summary
Biological systems exhibit top-down causation, where higher levels influence lower levels. This study defines information control and functional equivalence classes to identify testable conditions for top-down causation in biological networks.
Area of Science:
- Systems Biology
- Theoretical Biology
- Philosophy of Biology
Background:
- Biological systems are complex, with ongoing debate about causal mechanisms.
- The concept of top-down causation suggests higher organizational levels can influence lower levels.
- Distinguishing between information and signs is crucial for understanding biological control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To rigorously define and test conditions for top-down causation in biological systems.
- To clarify the roles of information, signs, and control in biological causality.
- To establish a framework for identifying causally efficacious higher levels in biological networks.
Main Methods:
- Introduction of distinctions between information and signs.
- Rigorous definition of information control and functional equivalence classes.
- Application of these concepts to characterize testable instances of top-down causation.
Main Results:
- Identified specific criteria for top-down causation through feedback control.
- Demonstrated that causally significant elements are equivalence classes of lower-level processes.
- Showcased how different operations can yield the same outcome within information control networks.
Conclusions:
- Top-down causation in biological systems is identifiable and testable.
- Information control and functional equivalence classes provide a robust framework for studying biological causality.
- This approach clarifies how higher levels exert causal influence in biological networks.
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