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Complexity Theory in Biology and Technology: Broken Symmetries and Emergence
Version 1
: Received: 12 August 2023 / Approved: 14 August 2023 / Online: 16 August 2023 (11:46:46 CEST)
A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.
Ellis, G.F.R.; Di Sia, P. Complexity Theory in Biology and Technology: Broken Symmetries and Emergence. Symmetry 2023, 15, 1945. Ellis, G.F.R.; Di Sia, P. Complexity Theory in Biology and Technology: Broken Symmetries and Emergence. Symmetry 2023, 15, 1945.
Abstract
This paper discusses complexity theory, that is, the many theories that have been proposed for emergence of complexity from the underlying physics. Our aim is to identify which aspects have turned out to be the more fundamental ones as regards the emergence of biology, engineering, and digital computing, as opposed to those that are in fact more peripheral in these contexts. In the cases we consider, complexity arises via adaptive modular hierarchical structures that are open systems involving broken symmetries. Each emergent level is causally effective because of the meshing together of upwards and downwards causation that takes place consistently with the underlying physics. Various physical constraints limit the outcomes that can be achieved. The underlying issue concerns the origin of consciousness and agency given the basis of life in physics, which is structured starting from symmetries and variational principles with no trace of agency. A possible solution is to admit that consciousness is an irreducible emergent property of matter.
Keywords
Complexity theory, Emergence, Biology, Technology, Agency, Symmetries
Subject
Physical Sciences, Quantum Science and Technology
Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
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