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(2014) Philosophy & Technology 27 (3).
What is nature-like computation?
a behavioural approach and a notion of programmability
Hector Zenil
pp. 399-421
The aim of this paper is to propose an alternative behavioural definition of computation (and of a computer) based simply on whether a system is capable of reacting to the environment—the input—as reflected in a measure of programmability. This definition is intended to have relevance beyond the realm of digital computers, particularly vis-à-vis natural systems. This will be done by using an extension of a phase transition coefficient previously defined in an attempt to characterise the dynamical behaviour of cellular automata and other systems. The transition coefficient measures the sensitivity of a system to external stimuli and will be used to define the susceptibility of a system to be (efficiently) programmed.
Publication details
DOI: 10.1007/s13347-012-0095-2
Full citation:
Zenil, H. (2014). What is nature-like computation?: a behavioural approach and a notion of programmability. Philosophy & Technology 27 (3), pp. 399-421.
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