Knowledge-based vision and simple visual machines

The vast majority of work in machine vision emphasizes the representation of perceived objects and events: it is these internal representations that incorporate the 'knowledge' in knowledge-based vision or form the 'models' in model-based vision. In this paper, we discuss simple machine vision systems developed by artificial evolution rather than traditional engineering design techniques, and note that the task of identifying internal representations within such systems is made difficult by the lack of an operational definition of representation at the causal mechanistic level. Consequently, we question the nature and indeed the existence of representations posited to be used within natural vision systems (i.e. animals). We conclude that representations argued for on a priori grounds by external observers of a particular vision system may well be illusory, and are at best place-holders for yet-to-be-identified causal mechanistic interactions. That is, applying the knowledge-based vision approach in the understanding of evolved systems (machines or animals) may well lead to theories and models that are internally consistent, computationally plausible, and entirely wrong

The Relevance of the Marshallian Concept of Normality in Interior and in Inertial Dynamics as Revisited by G. SHACKLE and J. KORNAI

This study endeavours to explicate the relevance of the Marshallian concept of normal in the evolution of supply curves and the price mechanism in time. This concept is based on the contradictory or at least ambiguous combination of an ex ante perspective of expectation formation and an ex post inertial dynamics. We first explore the ex ante side of the contradiction by drawing upon the writings of G. Shackle. Subsequently, we examine J. Kornai's conception of the normal state as system-specific. We identify the relationship between normality and the co-ordination mechanism in Kornai's ex post approach which may be regarded as an alternative to Shackle's solution. Finally, the pertinence of the Marshallian concept of normal will be demonstrated as will its divergent developments by Shackle and Kornai. This leads us to the conclusion that a further development of the concept is required in order to reconcile both ex ante and ex post approaches which might be based on recent evolutionary analysis.Marshallian concept of normality, inertial dynamics, Shackle's interior dynamics, Kornai's normal state

Consciousness and Matter. Information-measuring Approach. Generalized Principle of Complementarity

A wide range of problems of the relationship between consciousness and matter are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the structure and properties of consciousness in the framework of information evolution. The role of specific (non-computational) properties of consciousness in the procedure of classical and quantum measurements is analyzed. In particular, the issue of "cloning" of consciousness (the possibility of copying its properties onto a new material carrier) is discussed in detail. We hope that the generalized principle of complementarity formulated by us will open up new ways for studying the problems of consciousness within the framework of the fundamental physical picture of the world

The Participating Mind in the Quantum Universe

The Orthodox interpretation of quantum mechanics, which followed the Copenhagen Interpretation but was enhanced by primarily Werner Heisenberg and John von Neumann into a fully developed theory, brought in, among others, the role of measurement, available choices and response of the quantum system. It is, more consistent and clear than other interpretations of quantum mechanics as it provides account of the interactions of observers with the external world. As such, the Orthodox interpretation does a lot more than just account for physical interactions in the atomic world, which was the original goal of quantum mechanics in the early part of the twentieth century. In this article we present several issues that may have been answered or need further development, such as measurement and observation, what is Nature and who the observer is. Extending Orthodox quantum mechanics, leading to universal non-dual Awareness may provide a consistent and integrated view of reality and is consistent with advances in mathematical theory. An issue of paramount importance is what are the philosophical underpinnings or ontological view of the quantum nature of the universe and the role of human minds, observations and choices

Comments on the cybernetics of stability and regulation in social systems

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.The methods and principles of cybernetics are applied to a discussion of stability and regulation in social systems taking a global viewpoint. The fundamental but still classical notion of stability as applied to homeostatic and ultrastable systems is discussed, with a particular reference to a specific well-studied example of a closed social group (the Tsembaga studied by Roy Rappaport in New Guinea). The discussion extends to the problem of evolution in large systems and the question of regulating evolution is addressed without special qualifications. A more comprehensive idea of stability is introduced as the argument turns to the problem of evolution for viability in general. Concepts pertaining to the problem of evolution are exemplified by a computer simulation model of an abstractly defined ecosystem in which various dynamic processes occur allowing the study of adaptive and evolutionary behaviour. In particular, the role of coalition formation and cooperative behaviour is stressed as a key factor in the evolution of complexity. The model consists of a population of several species of dimensionless automata inhabiting a geometrically defined environment in which a commodity essential for metabolic requirements (food) appears. Automata can sense properties of their environment, move about it, compete for food, reproduce or combine into coalitions thus forming new and more complex species. Each species is associated with a specific genotype from which the species’ behavioural characteristics (its phenotype) are derived. Complexity and survival efficiency of species increases through coalition formation, an event which occurs when automata are faced with an “undecidable” situation that is resolvable only by forming a new and more complex organization. Exogenous manipulation of the food distribution pattern and other critical factors produces different environmental conditions resulting in different behaviour patterns of automata and in different evolutionary “pathways.” Eve-1, the computer program developed to implement this model, accepts a high-level command language which allows for the setting of parameters, definition of initial configurations, and control of output formats. Results of simulation are produced graphically and include various pertinent tables. The program was given a modular hierarchical structure which allows easy generation of new versions incorporating different sets of rules. The model strives to capture the essence of the evolution of complexity viewed as a general process rather than to describe the evolution of a particular “real” system. In this respect it is not context-specific, and the behaviours which are observable in different runs can receive various interpretation depending on specific identifications. Of these, biological, ecological, and sociological interpretations are the most obvious and the latter, in particular, is stressed.J. M. Kaplan Fund in New Yor

An outline theory of art on cybernetic principles

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.The object of this study is to draw art into the common net of organization, along with those other enterprizes more commonly associated with the exercise of intelligence. The method chosen for this is based upon the idea of effective procedures, namely by setting out to construct a (notional) 'art machine'. The argument falls into two parts, the first dealing with the general concept of authorship and the second with its products. Part I offers a definition of an abstract, rudimentary productive process and describes its observers. There is an examination of the relation between structure and purpose, which moves towards a general definition of authorship made in terms of extracting order from a surrounding. Principles of order extraction are examined, with particular reference to the Law of Requisite Variety. Examination of extracted order, as structure, heuristics and the like, leads to discussion of the transmission of purposes between purposeful systems, as well as general problems of constraint, and of regulation and control. Part I ends with a proposal for a paradigm for a rudimentary mechanical author. Part II concentrates on the products of authorship, seeking characterizing features of those that may be classified as art. There is discussion of objective knowledge and its value and of the characteristics of experience as a form of objective knowledge. It is suggested that art is concerned with experience and that this dictates its method, which is to produce simulation procedures based on a language constituted by the synthetic structures discussed in Part I. Lines are suggested for realizing an 'art machine' and there is a review of prospects. A section of notes consisting of speculative ideas and empirical applications connected with the conclusions of the text follows Part II

Glossarium BITri 2016 : Interdisciplinary Elucidation of Concepts, Metaphors, Theories and Problems Concerning Information

222 p.Terms included in this glossary recap some of the main concepts, theories, problems and metaphors concerning INFORMATION in all spheres of knowledge. This is the first edition of an ambitious enterprise covering at its completion all relevant notions relating to INFORMATION in any scientific context. As such, this glossariumBITri is part of the broader project BITrum, which is committed to the mutual understanding of all disciplines devoted to information across fields of knowledge and practic

Methods in scientific and religious inquiry

Includes bibliographical references (pages 31-32).In generic logical form science and religion are more alike than is often supposed, especially at their cores. At the same time, science and religion typically offer alternative interpretations of experience, the scientific interpretation being based on causality, the religious interpretation based on meaning. But both disciplines are rational, and both are susceptible to improvement over the centuries; both use governing theoretical paradigms as they confront experience. The conflicts between scientific and religious interpretations arise because the boundary between causality and meaning is semipermeable