Evolution: as immaterial information (Introduction)

by David Turell , Tuesday, May 31, 2022, 15:36 (905 days ago) @ David Turell

A new evolutionary theory basedvon transferred information:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0303264721001544

"Abstract
Most biologists agree that evolution is contingent on inherited information shaped by natural selection. This apparent consensus could be taken to indicate agreement on the forces shaping evolution, but vivid discussions reveal divergences on how evolution is perceived. The predominant Modern Synthesis (MS) paradigm holds the position that evolution occurs through random changes acting on genomic inheritance. However, studies from recent decades have revealed that evolutionary inheritance also includes DNA-methylation, RNA, symbionts, and culture, among other factors. This has fueled a demand of a broader evolutionary perspective, for example from the proponents of the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES). Despite fundamental disagreements the different views agree that natural selection happens through dissimilar perpetuation of inheritable information. Yet, neither the MS, nor the ESS dwell extensively on the nature of hereditary information. We do - and conclude that information in and of itself is immaterial. We then argue that the quality upon which natural selection acts henceforth is also immaterial. Based on these notions, we arrive at the information-centric Information Continuum Model (ICM) of evolution. The ICM asserts that hereditary information is embedded in diverse physical forms (DNA, RNA, symbionts etc.) representing a continuum of evolutionary qualities, and that information may migrate between these physical forms. The ICM leaves theoretical exploration of evolution unrestricted by the limitations imposed by the individual physical forms wherein the hereditary information is embedded (e.g. genomes). ICM bestows us with a simple heuristic model that adds explanatory dimensions to be considered in the evolution of biological systems."

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"We contest that ICM also have countless philosophical implications and find that the most fundamental question the model rises is: what defines life? According to ICM, living systems are manifestations of immaterial information propagating through time, in essence, by reorganizing matter. Also, according to ICM, evolution of life happens through differential propagation of diversifying immaterial information. We argue that the implication of this is that information that propagates is life and that reserving the quality of life for a subset of information embedded in physical forms with certain arbitrary, anthropogenically-defined attributes is inconsistent. However, discussions regarding the definitions of the interconnected conceptions of life, free will, and the nature of the self, have always thrived within the branches of Philosophy. Accordingly, we recognize that one may disagree with our definition of life, but defend the view that the concept of life has connotations related to values and rights and that it should therefore at least be defined consistently."

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Summary

{"1. Information is immaterial by nature but must have a physical form to exist.

2. Inherited information may be found in many forms.

3. The forms have divergent properties and information may over time change its physical form.

4. We suggest the term ‘hereditome’ to refer to the sum of inherited information and its forms.

5. The substrate of natural selection is immaterial information.

6. The Information Continuum Model is a simple heuristic model that allows evolution and natural selection to be investigated without conceptual restrictions imposed by the properties of individual hereditome components.

7. The conceptual nature of Information Continuum Model enables it to serve as an interdisciplinary platform for collaboration between natural and social sciences."

Comment: This is totally consistent with my view that the material genome delivers immaterial information taht forms lifev adn makes it exist.