Biology transcends the limits of computation

Area of Science:

• Biology
• Information Theory
• Philosophy of Science

Background:

• The conventional reductionist model of biology posits a causal chain of chemicals → code → cognition.
• This model faces challenges as there's no evidence that physics/chemistry can generate codes or that codes produce cognition.
• Cognition itself remains a fundamental mystery in biology, despite its central role.

Purpose of the Study:

• To challenge prevailing reductionist models in biology.
• To propose a revised causal sequence for biological processes based on information flow.
• To explore the nature and origin of cognition.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing information theory, the mathematical foundation of the digital age.
• Applying the concept of Turing machines (computers) to analyze biological systems.
• Analyzing information flow to understand the role of cognition.

Main Results:

• Identified inaccuracies in the prevailing reductionist view of biological causation.
• Demonstrated that chemicals are merely the physical layer of information systems.
• Highlighted that biological cognition is volitional and uses inductive logic, unlike technology's deductive logic.

Conclusions:

• The correct causal sequence in biology is proposed as cognition → code → chemicals.
• Information, termed 'the hard problem of life,' cannot be fully explained by known physical principles alone.
• A deeper understanding of information flows is crucial for elucidating the nature and origin of cognition.