Anticipatory Systems: Philosophical, Mathematical and Methodological Foundations

Robert Rosen

Oct 2013 · IFSR International Series on Systems Science and Engineering Book 1 · Elsevier

About this ebook

The first detailed study of this most important class of systems which contain internal predictive models of themselves and/or of their environments and whose predictions are utilized for purposes of present control. This book develops the basic concept of a predictive model, and shows how it can be embedded into a system of feedforward control. Includes many examples and stresses analogies between wired-in anticipatory control and processes of learning and adaption, at both individual and social levels. Shows how the basic theory of such systems throws a new light both on analytic problems (understanding what is going on in an organism or a social system) and synthetic ones (developing forecasting methods for making individual or collective decisions).

Ratings and reviews

Quintessential in every aspect. A masterpiece from a scientist like none. Nevertheless, complex and potentially complicated for readers with limited knowledge in number theory/metamathematics, philosophy of sciences and biology. Fundamental for those interested in artificial intelligence, machine learning, formal and natural systems. Unfortunately, not much cited in the recent scientific literature. I would be tempted to compare it to Douglas Hofstatder's Godel Escher Bach in terms of the subtle beauty that can emanate in the mind of those who can understand the depth of the meaning and ubiquitous implications of this book in our world and existence. Enjoy!

This book is still worth reading - especially because of the meticulous discussion of Rosen's Modeling Relation. This tells us how contemporary mainstream physics is made to work. Must-read for any philosopher of science, researcher of foundations, and pioneer of new theories in physics.