"The Engine of Complexity: Evolution as Computation" By John E. Mayfield, a Review

Book: The Engine of Complexity: Evolution as Computation

Author: John E. Mayfield

Pages: 337

Year: 2013

Summary:

Whenever the words “life” and “computation” are put in the same sentence, people get nervous, uneasy, or resort to a matrix or tron-esque defense mechanism of “It’s only a sci-fi, hollywood, or computer enthusiast fantasy”. But when you consider that aspects of computation (manipulation of information) permeate every level of the observable universe and also realms that are etheric such as data or multidimensional networks such as those found in protein interactions within cells, one begins to see that our body, thoughts, and interactions with others and the environment are ongoing computations. If this seems a little unsettling it is because you have not accepted, been presented with, or do not fully understood that computation underlies everything. The separation of computation from physical and biological processes is only a historical accident of the scientific endeavor that has progressed over the last 400 years. At least that what this book concludes near the end.

And after all the evidence is provided I can’t help but agree. Personal research and interest in the variety of topics presented and analyzed within this book suggest that this is indeed what is going on. Not only in the basement quantum levels but also in the atomic, molecular, organismal, ecological, planetary, and cosmic regions too. The theory, proposed by Mayfield is that there is an engine,operating on information, applying the effects of logic and computation, that drives the enormous amount of complexity we see in this universe. This is called the Engine of Complexity. As simple as having a population (i.e. code, life forms, rules) and introducing some environmental randomness to their genetic information structure. After changes are effected selection is applied via a consistent criteria on the population. The forthcoming generations are introduced back in the environment and the process continues.

Computation in a life science, say biology, becomes extremely apparent in evolution, but more so when taken to DNA. These molecules, helical and paired in base combinations in very long lengths represent encoded information - instructions for how we are made. There are features in the chain that when other molecules are near reactions take place. These reactions can be to copy, repeat until told not to, go get this, cut here, paste in this, and swap these two pieces of DNA: all classic acts of computation and logic. Although this case does not take place within the domains of an electronic computer, there are archetypes and process present and active which transcended mediums, hinting at an overriding principle that underlies all existence and life.

This sounds deep, and it is frankly. However, if we are to truly have the courage to continue on the quest towards understanding and living with this environment we are among then we must endeavor to ask the questions without fearing where it will lead us. For if this is truly the way things are and we have truly glimpsed the structure and operation of this then we may rejoice and awe in its beauty, complexity, and simplicity.

Notes:
- The concept of digital life did not happen recently, automata and creatures of deterministic qualities have always been a topic of discussion.

- Seemingly all technological developments follow logarithmic “Moore’s Law” expansion patterns and asymptotic singularity points where upon a new tech is developed.