Vital Cells: Cellular Automata, Artificial Life, Autopoiesis
Vital Cells: Cellular Automata, Artificial Life, Autopoiesis
This chapter examines John von Neumann’s theory of self-reproducing automata and Christopher Langton’s self-reproducing digital loops. Langton’s theory of artificial life (ALife) as a new science based on computer simulations whose theoretical underpinnings combine information theory with dynamical systems theory is contrasted with Francisco Varela and Humberto Maturana’s theory of autopoiesis, which leads to a consideration of both natural and artificial immune systems and computer viruses.
Keywords: John von Neumann, of self-reproducing automata, Christopher Langton, digital loops, Francisco Varela, Humberto Maturana, immune systems, computer viruses
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