Hello Edwina, List, I don't see the whole conversation as a coherent thread, so I've missed the back and forth.
In short, I support the general claim that we can view the evolution of the cosmos as manifesting, at both local and global levels, the dynamics of complex adaptive systems. The hypothesis I see Peirce trying out in, for instance, A Guess at the Riddle, is that the evolution of the cosmos has a character analogous to the dynamics of the cycle of inquiry: manifesting patterns akin to hypothesis, deduction, and induction, as the drive or growth, and patterns akin to demonstration on the basis of systems of principles (i.e., theories) where established habits and natural laws govern. This, I think, is a hypothesis that has proven to be fruitful in many domains, and I suspect its fruitfulness will continue to growth in this century. Having said that, I not prepared to go so far as to say: "There is no goal, no final agenda, other than to prevent entropic dissipation of energy, and thus, maintain the energy content of the universe as ‘matter’ moulded within the self-organized rules of Mind." On my view, potential is a pretty rich sort of thing. As such, it isn't clear to me how much or how little of the evolution of ordered habits and growth of systems of laws manifests something more than a constraint that prevents the "prevent entropic dissipation of energy,." For my part, I see these sorts of questions as an invitation to engage in inquiry. The proof of the pudding will be in the tasting the results of those inquiries. For those taking up this sort of project, including the many at SFI, we have our work cut out for us. Yours, Jeff ________________________________ From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Edwina Taborsky <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2025 1:34 PM To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Cc: Edwina Taborsky <[email protected]> Subject: [PEIRCE-L] The Universe as a CAS I am still stunned by the recent rejection of my claim that the Universe is a CAS [ complex adaptive system] by three scholars on this list - none of whom had the faintest idea what a CAS actually is. Here’s a brief outline: Complex adaptive systems (CAS) represent a framework for understanding how intricate, dynamic networks of interacting agents give rise to emergent behaviors that are greater than the sum of their parts. These systems are characterized by decentralized control, adaptation through learning or evolution, nonlinear interactions, and the ability to self-organize in response to environmental changes. In essence, CAS thrive on feedback loops, diversity, and resilience, often exhibiting unpredictable yet patterned outcomes. This concept, popularized by thinkers like John Holland and Murray Gell-Mann through the Santa Fe Institute, transcends disciplines, offering insights into everything from ant colonies to stock markets. My point of course, is that Peirce’s semiosic framework, made up of the basic triad of an ‘information unit’, [O-S-I] … comparable to those ‘interacting agents in the CAS - operating within the three categories of Firstness, Secondness and Thirdness function within a decentralized and non-determined process ,[bottom up] adaptation through ‘learning and evolution’ , non-linear interactions..and self-organization..to develop and maintain our universe. There is no goal, no final agenda, other than to prevent entropic dissipation of energy, and thus, maintain the energy content of the universe as ‘matter’ moulded within the self-organized rules of Mind. I therefore think that it would be interesting if not productive to explore this dynamic, using the Peircean basic framework, within not only the biological realm - but- even the societal, economic and political realms. Edwina
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