The theoretical foundations of enaction: Precariousness

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Science
• Philosophy of Mind
• Theoretical Biology

Background:

• Enaction theory, rooted in autopoiesis and the biology of cognition, offers a novel perspective on understanding living systems and cognition.
• A rigorous theoretical foundation is crucial for the advancement of enaction as a scientific discipline.
• Precariousness is a central concept within enaction, requiring detailed examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a theoretical analysis of precariousness within the enactive approach to cognition.
• To delineate and differentiate three distinct types of fragility: systemic, processual, and thermodynamic.
• To explore the interrelationships between these types of fragility in cognitive systems.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the theoretical underpinnings of enaction.
• Utilizing a glider in Conway's Game of Life as a simplified model system.
• Illustrating and examining systemic, processual, and thermodynamic fragility within the chosen model.

Main Results:

• The study identifies and distinguishes between systemic, processual, and thermodynamic fragility.
• The Game of Life glider model effectively demonstrates these different forms of fragility.
• Relationships between the types of fragility and their dependence on system definition versus emergence are examined.

Conclusions:

• Precariousness in enaction is characterized by the balance between hardwired system properties and emergent behaviors.
• Ongoing maintenance is essential for emergent aspects of a system to avoid disintegration.
• This analysis provides a foundational understanding for further research into the dynamics of enactive systems.