Cliff Hooker - Oct. 19, 3PM
University of Newcastle, Australia

Abstract
It is argued that a distinctive holistic organizational constraint, called autonomy, is the sine qua non of all living biological systems, distinguishing true individuals (social or uni-cellular) from other biosphere components. Autonomy-referenced behavior marks the (natural) emergence of anticipation, autonomy-referenced responses to external signals mark the (natural) emergence of information, and autonomy-referenced internal signals mark the (natural) emergence of norms in biology. Autonomous systems possessing all three are basic bio-agents (in those respects). It is indicated how enriching autonomy with self-directedness (a capacity to daptively coordinate anticipation, information and norms) provides a foundation for the (natural) emergence of bio-agent intentionality and intelligence. An exemplifying insect is discussed. This account provides the first steps in a distinctive interactive-constructivist approach to modeling life and mind, and to their aturalization.

Biography
Cliff Hooker is Professor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle, Australia where he has been since 1980. He has authored or edited books and monographs on such topics as philosophy of quantum theory, probability & statistics, decision theory, theory of science, energy policy and agricultural ethics. He currently leads a research group focusing on organisation and adaptability in dynamical systems. A recent publication is Christensen, W.D., and C. A. Hooker (2000), "An Interactivist-Constructivist Approach to Intelligence: Self-directed Anticipative Learning", Philosophical Psychology, 13, 5-45.

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Fall 2001