ISSN:
1572-9575
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Abstract Recent advances in nonlinear dynamics demonstrate a remarkable complexity ofpatterns outside of equilibrium, which are derived from simple basic laws ofphysics. A class of mathematical models has been identified providing a varietyof such patterns in the form of static, periodic, or chaotic attractors. These modelsappear to be so general that they predict not only physical, but also biological,economic, and social patterns of behavior. Such a phenomenological reductionismmay suggest that, on the dynamical level of description, there is no differencebetween a solar system, a swarm of insects, and a stock market. However, thisconclusion is wrong for a very simple reason: Even primitive living speciespossess additional non-Newtonian properties which are not included in the lawsof Newtonian or statistical mechanics. These properties follow from a privilegedability of living species to possess a self-image (a concept introduced inmathematical psychology). In this paper we consider the existence of aself-image as a postulate to be added to classical physics for modeling behavior ofliving systems. We show that self-image can be incorporated into the mathematicalformalism of a nonlinear dynamics which evolves in probability space. Wedemonstrate that one of the basic invariants of living systems is their ability topredict the future, which is associated with intelligence.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1003622107129
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