Ep. 317 - Cellular Automata and Artificial Life

In this novel, Bob Johansson sells his software company and signs up for cryogenic preservation. After his death, his mind is uploaded into a space probe 117 years later. Bob and his clones embark on a mission to explore the galaxy, encounter various alien species, and navigate the complexities of artificial intelligence, space colonization, and the remnants of human society after a global catastrophe. The book delves into themes such as politics, religion, and philosophy, maintaining a lighthearted and humorous tone despite its deep scientific and philosophical explorations.

William Poundstone's "The Recursive Universe" delves into the fascinating intersection of computation, complexity, and our understanding of the universe. The book explores cellular automata, using Conway's Game of Life as a prime example, to illustrate how simple rules can generate complex behavior. Poundstone examines the implications of these concepts for scientific knowledge, questioning the limits of our ability to predict and understand complex systems. The book challenges traditional notions of causality and determinism, suggesting that the universe itself might be a form of computation. Its exploration of these ideas remains relevant and thought-provoking decades after its initial publication.

In 'A New Kind of Science,' Stephen Wolfram presents a comprehensive study of computational systems, particularly cellular automata, and argues that the study of simple programs can revolutionize various fields of science. The book, which took over a decade to complete, introduces the Principle of Computational Equivalence and the concept of computational irreducibility. Wolfram demonstrates how simple rules can generate complex behavior, similar to patterns observed in nature, and discusses the implications of these findings for fields such as physics, biology, and mathematics. The book is known for its extensive use of computer graphics and its attempt to establish a new foundational science based on computational principles.