Some epistemological implications of devices which construct their own sensors and effectors

摘要: Various classes of physical devices having adaptive sensors, coordinative parts, and/or effectors are considered with respect to the kinds informational relations they permit device have its environment. Devices which can evolve their own hardware expand repertoires measurements, computations, and controls in a manner analogous structural evolution sensory, coordinative, effector organs over phylogeny. In particular, those capacity adaptively construct new sensors gain ability modify relationship between internal states world at large. Such effect create (semantic) categories rather than them explicitly specified by an external designer. An electrochemical built 1950's evolved sense sound is discussed as rudimentary exemplar class adaptive, sensorevolving devices. could potentially serve semantically-adaptive front-ends for computationally-adaptive classifiers, altering feature primitives (primitive categories) that classifier operates with. Networks composed elements capable evolving channels inter-element signalling creating effector-sensor combinations elements. The be formed orthogonal pre-existing ones, increasing dimensionality signal space. variable-dimension networks might lead more flexible modes information processing storage. means both choose perceptual action well mappings two sets would acquire degree epistemic autonomy not yet found contemporary Modelling biological organisms artificial A very ancient notion sensory organism determine basic through it perceives act alter Between lies some mechanism coordination, thereby permitting respond appropriately perceived state world. framework also applied analyzing functional embedded One talk about relationships environments terms functionalities sensing, coordinating, effecting (or, abstractly measurement, computation, control (Cariani 1989)). Taken together these allow or world, make prediction what best take given perception, accordingly. Given set effectors, coordinating two, such modelling (Uexkull 1926; Pattee 1982; Rosen 1985; Cariani 1989, 1991ab; Kampis 1991; Emmeche 1991). Within this functional, (Figure 1), relation large affected inputs. organ makes primitive distinctions on producing possible outcomes, depending upon interaction For example, receptor may presence absence chemical substance (relative threshold concentration). There must least function discriminatory element -if were always one state, no regarding conveyed, contingent change distinction discrimination made forms category possible, mutually-exclusive states. To extent different receptors interact differently, so produce outputs same situation, implement categories, windows outside organism. Effector large, but directionality immediate causation different. While output affairs way input organ. electric field strength vicinity eel highly eel's nervous system; whenever decides fire, will follow. Similarly, when muscles activated moving, relative position rest altered -the positional configuration objects becomes inputs organism's motor system. Sensors thus mediate it. Together semantics organism, consequences world-states organism-states vice-versa. Here, word "immediate" stressed because causality acting