Self-Modifying Systems in Biology and Cognitive Science (IFSR International Series on Systems Science and Engineering)...

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 565 pages
• Published by: Pergamon
• Edition: 1st Edition March 1, 1991
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0080369790
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0080369792
• Book Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches
• Weighs: 2 pounds

Product Review
a landmark contribution to the theory of evolutionary systemsessential reading -- Allan Combs, World Futures Vol 33, 1991

1991 a landmark contribution to the theory of evolutionary systemsessential reading -- Allan Combs, World Futures Vol 33

1991 a landmark contribution to the theory of evolutionary systemsessential reading -- Allan Combs, World Futures Vol 33

Product Review
Allan Combs
a landmark contribution to the theory of evolutionary systemsessential reading
World Futures Vol 33

Reader Reviews
As another reviewer notes, this book will be very helpful to those interested in the complexity research of theoretical biologist Robert Rosen. Whereas Rosen has a tight, highly rigorous focus on his goal in "Life Itself", Kampis paints on a somewhat broader canvas, referencing the work of many other researchers (including Rosen). However, Kampis is similarly detailed and methodical. Kampis first describes the limits of dynamical models, and state-based approaches, including the limitations inherent in the 'canonical formalism' of mechanics. He then goes on to introduce 'component-systems'. This is a general formal representation of a system as being composed of some number of components out of an essentially unlimited number of possible components. In component systems, the "rules" for the dynamics of the system are not independent of the components themselves. Self-modifying component systems generate new components and delete others, thereby changing the identity of the system itself. In mathematical terms, a self-modifying system is like a function f that belongs to its own domain and range ("f:f--