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The Biological Relevance of Artificial Life: Lessons from Artificial IntelligenceThere is no fundamental reason why A-life couldn't simply be a branch of computer science that deals with algorithms that are inspired by, or emulate biological phenomena. However, if these are the limits we place on this field, we miss the opportunity to help advance Theoretical Biology and to contribute to a deeper understanding of the nature of life. The history of Artificial Intelligence provides a good example, in that early interest in the nature of cognition quickly was lost to the process of building tools, such as "expert systems" that, were certainly useful, but provided little insight in the nature of cognition. Based on this lesson, I will discuss criteria for increasing the biological relevance of A-life and the probability that this field may provide a theoretical foundation for Biology.
Document ID
20010066309
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Colombano, Silvano
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2000
Subject Category
Computer Systems
Meeting Information
Meeting: Artificial Life VII Conference Astrobiology Workshop
Location: Portland, OR
Country: United States
Start Date: August 1, 2000
End Date: August 6, 2000
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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