- Library Home /
- Search Collections /
- Open Collections /
- Browse Collections /
- UBC Theses and Dissertations /
- Typogenetics : a logic of artificial propagating entities
Open Collections
UBC Theses and Dissertations
UBC Theses and Dissertations
Typogenetics : a logic of artificial propagating entities Morris, Harold Campbell
Abstract
This thesis deals with abstract models of propagation (especially, self—replication). As some of these reflector borrow from nature, a summary of biology's current understanding of natural reproduction (mitosis) is provided for background. However, the predominant concern is with entities realized in uninterpreted symbolic systems, and associated philosophical and design problems. Thus the comparison that is made between artificial and natural modes of propagation is intended primarily to enhance conception of the former. Automata constitute one type of formal model. With a simple Turing Table the concept of a self-replicating string is illustrated. The idea of a logical universe in which propagating "virtual" entities emerge and interact is explored with reference to cellular automata. A formal system called Typogenetics provides the centerpiece of this thesis. The system, first presented in an incomplete form in Hofstadter (1979), is here fully developed (augmented with a useful program for personal computers). A Typogenetics string ("strand," in analogy to a DNA strand) codes for operations that act to transform that very strand into descendant strands. Typogenetics strands exhibited include, among others, a pallindromc self-replicator coding for operations sufficient to replicate itself; a "self-perpetuator" deforming and then reforming itself through fully compensatory operations; and an "infinitely fertile" strand bearing an infinitude of unique descendants. Meta-logical proofs establish certain general propositions about the Typogenetics system, e.g. that for every strand there is a mother strand. Redactio reasoning, of potential general is ability beyond Typogenetics, shows how a hypothetical strand can be ruled out by establishing the incommensurability of its two identities qua packet of operations and qua operand. A Russellian—type paradoxical strand that has all and only the non—self-replicating strands for offspring is considered (is it a self—replicator?), spurring discussion of the Theory of Types and Hofstadter's "strange loops."
Item Metadata
Title |
Typogenetics : a logic of artificial propagating entities
|
Creator | |
Publisher |
University of British Columbia
|
Date Issued |
1989
|
Description |
This thesis deals with abstract models of propagation
(especially, self—replication). As some of these reflector
borrow from nature, a summary of biology's current
understanding of natural reproduction (mitosis) is provided
for background. However, the predominant concern is with
entities realized in uninterpreted symbolic systems, and
associated philosophical and design problems. Thus the
comparison that is made between artificial and natural modes
of propagation is intended primarily to enhance conception
of the former.
Automata constitute one type of formal model. With a
simple Turing Table the concept of a self-replicating string
is illustrated. The idea of a logical universe in which
propagating "virtual" entities emerge and interact is
explored with reference to cellular automata.
A formal system called Typogenetics provides the
centerpiece of this thesis. The system, first presented in an
incomplete form in Hofstadter (1979), is here fully
developed (augmented with a useful program for personal
computers). A Typogenetics string ("strand," in
analogy to a DNA strand) codes for operations that act to transform that very strand into descendant strands.
Typogenetics strands exhibited include, among others, a
pallindromc self-replicator coding for operations sufficient
to replicate itself; a "self-perpetuator" deforming and then
reforming itself through fully compensatory operations; and
an "infinitely fertile" strand bearing an infinitude of
unique descendants.
Meta-logical proofs establish certain general
propositions about the Typogenetics system, e.g. that for
every strand there is a mother strand. Redactio reasoning, of
potential general is ability beyond Typogenetics, shows how a
hypothetical strand can be ruled out by establishing the
incommensurability of its two identities qua packet of
operations and qua operand.
A Russellian—type paradoxical strand that has all and
only the non—self-replicating strands for offspring is
considered (is it a self—replicator?), spurring discussion of
the Theory of Types and Hofstadter's "strange loops."
|
Genre | |
Type | |
Language |
eng
|
Date Available |
2012-03-15
|
Provider |
Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library
|
Rights |
For non-commercial purposes only, such as research, private study and education. Additional conditions apply, see Terms of Use https://open.library.ubc.ca/terms_of_use.
|
DOI |
10.14288/1.0106810
|
URI | |
Degree | |
Program | |
Affiliation | |
Degree Grantor |
University of British Columbia
|
Campus | |
Scholarly Level |
Graduate
|
Aggregated Source Repository |
DSpace
|
Item Media
Item Citations and Data
Rights
For non-commercial purposes only, such as research, private study and education. Additional conditions apply, see Terms of Use https://open.library.ubc.ca/terms_of_use.