> Helas, a good theoretical scheme (info theory, mutual info, 
> etc.) is a 
> must, but something else is needed for the inclusion of 
> meaning. 

In my opinion, we should not make things more difficult than they are. A
difference can only make a difference if there is a second degree of freedom
for making a difference from the differences in the first degree of freedom.


The differences first can be considered as a distribution containing
Shannon-type information. Using the second degree of freedom, these
differences can be appreciated as differences or, in other words, provided
with meaning. 

Knowledge can (recursively) be considered as a meaning which makes a
difference. Thus, one would need a third degree of freedom. The mutual
information among three dimensions can be negative, i.e., reduce the
uncertainty. 

In general, I submit that four degrees of freedom are sufficient: the first
one for the variation or Shannon-type information. This first degree of
freedom can also be considered as a vector (of differences). A second and
third for providing the information with meaning and position within the
system, respectively. Meaning operates over time, while the positional
appreciation is attributed at specific moments of time. Using a fourth
degree of freedom the system can self-organize by selecting among different
positions and meanings, and their recombinations. 

I hope that this resonates a bit. 

Best wishes, 


Loet

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