Meaning = Information + Evolution

In summary, the paper discusses a physical definition of "meaningful information" and its relation to notions like meaning, signal, and intentionality. The author suggests that this definition could serve as a bridge between the physical world and the world of meaning, purpose, and value.
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This paper offers a "first link of a chain", bridging physical and, psychological or linguistically, mental notions of meaningful information.

https://arxiv.org/pdf/1611.02420.pdf
Meaning = Information + Evolution

Carlo Rovelli

CPT, Aix-Marseille Universit ́e, Universit ́e de Toulon, CNRS, F-13288 Marseille, France.

Notions like meaning, signal, intentionality, are difficult to relate to a physical word. I study a purely physical definition of “meaningful information”, from which these notions can be derived. It is inspired by a model recently illustrated by Kolchinsky and Wolpert, and improves on Dretske classic work on the relation between knowledge and information. I discuss what makes a physical process into a “signal”.

A quote from the paper- "The semantic notions of information and meaning are ul- timately tied to their Darwinian evolutionary origin. The suggestion is that the notion of meaningful information serves as a ground for the foundation of meaning. That is, it could offer the link between the purely physical world and the world of meaning, purpose, intentionality and value. It could bridge the gap."
 
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Although this is a good paper, we no longer host discussions of a philosophical nature. The thread will remain closed.
 

Related to Meaning = Information + Evolution

1. What is the concept of "Meaning = Information + Evolution"?

"Meaning = Information + Evolution" is a theory proposed by renowned scientist and theorist, Dr. Werner Gitt. It suggests that the meaning of a message or information is dependent on the evolutionary process that produced it, along with the information it contains. This means that meaning is not an inherent property of information, but rather a result of the context in which it is presented.

2. How does this concept apply to language and communication?

In the context of language and communication, this theory suggests that the meaning of a message is not solely determined by the words or symbols used, but also by the evolutionary processes that shaped our ability to communicate and interpret meaning. Our understanding of language and communication has evolved over time, and this has influenced the way we interpret and assign meaning to messages.

3. Can this concept be applied to other forms of information, such as art or music?

Yes, this concept can be applied to other forms of information, such as art or music. In these forms, the meaning of a message or piece is not solely determined by the information it contains, but also by the cultural and evolutionary context in which it was created. For example, the meaning of a painting or a song may change over time as societal values and norms evolve.

4. How does this theory relate to the concept of natural selection?

This theory is closely related to the concept of natural selection, as both are based on the idea that the process of evolution shapes and influences the world around us. Natural selection operates on biological traits, while "Meaning = Information + Evolution" suggests that evolution also plays a role in shaping the meaning of information and how we interpret it.

5. What are some potential implications of this theory?

One potential implication of this theory is that the meaning of a message or information can be subjective and may vary depending on the individual's evolutionary background and cultural context. It also highlights the importance of understanding the evolutionary processes that have shaped our ability to communicate and interpret meaning. Additionally, this theory can have implications for fields such as linguistics, psychology, and communication studies.

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