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Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
Published on: February 3, 2023
Triadic conceptual structure of the maximum entropy approach to evolution
Carsten Herrmann-Pillath1, Stanley N Salthe
1East West Center for Business Studies and Cultural Science, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. c.herrmann-pillath@fs.de
Bio Systems
|November 9, 2010
Summary
Evolutionary theory can be reframed using a triadic structure, integrating Charles 19th-century philosophy and modern thermodynamics. This approach reveals evolution as a physical process governed by the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Theoretical Physics
- Philosophy of Science
Background:
- Traditional evolutionary theory often uses dyadic (two-part) frameworks, like organism vs. environment.
- Charles Peirce's philosophy, influenced by Darwin and thermodynamics, offers a foundation for alternative conceptual structures.
- Modern Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) approaches provide quantitative tools for analyzing evolutionary processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a triadic conceptual structure for analyzing evolution as an information-generating physical process.
- To synthesize Peirce's theory of signs with modern thermodynamics and evolutionary theory.
- To develop a new diagrammatic approach for understanding evolutionary dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Integrating Peirce's triadic philosophy (semiosis) with Maximum Entropy principles.
- Analyzing autocatalytic cycles using Ulanowicz's framework as a case study.
- Applying a process-based thermodynamic approach to evolutionary dynamics.
Main Results:
- Triadic structures involve efficient, formal, and final causality, accommodating state-centered thermodynamics within a process framework.
- Peircean interpretants are viewed as physical inference systems evolving under natural selection.
- The principles of Maximum Entropy, Maximum Power, and Maximum Entropy Production drive the emergence of information-carrying structures.
Conclusions:
- Evolutionary processes can be understood as a physical manifestation of the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
- A semiotic view of thermodynamics emerges, where information and energy flow gradients are maximized.
- The triadic approach offers a novel perspective on the physical underpinnings of evolution and information generation.
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