The physics of symbols: bridging the epistemic cut.
Evolution requires the genotype-phenotype distinction, a primeval epistemic cut that separates energy-degenerate, rate-independent genetic symbols from the rate-dependent dynamics of construction that they control. This symbol-matter or subject-object distinction occurs at all higher levels where symbols are related to a referent by an arbitrary code. The converse of control is measurement in which a rate-dependent dynamical state is coded into quiescent symbols. Non-integrable constraints are one necessary condition for bridging the epistemic cut by measurement, control, and coding. Additional properties of heteropolymer constraints are necessary for biological evolution.
Pattee
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Systems Science and Industrial Engineering Department, T.J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science, State University at Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, USA. pattee@binghamton.edu
D005075:Biological Evolution; D005838:Genotype; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D000069497:Origin of Life; D010641:Phenotype; D010825:Physics / Q000266:history*; D012371:Robotics