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Evolution, generative entrenchment and the bounds of rationality Konrad Talmont-Kaminski Marie Curie-Sklodowska University
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Two issues Bounded rationality theory claims all reasoning heuristic in nature Why should this be the case? Hume’s problem of induction defines the field of possible epistemic processes, both for reasoning & evolution What about development of new heuristics? Hume’s problem of induction forces development of new heuristics to proceed by broadly evolutionary means
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Bounded rationality
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Heuristics all the way up Herbert Simon The Sciences of the Artificial 3 rd ed. 1996 Perfect rationality a bad model Satisficing not optimising Heuristics Rules-of-thumb Heuristics all the way up Adaptations to scientific theories Simple heuristics used outside bounded rationality Kahneman & Tversky Dual process accounts of reason
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Fast, frugal, etc. Bill Wimsatt Re-engineering Philosophy of Limited Beings 2007 Broad characterisation of heuristics Fallible Frugal (and fast, too) Systematically biased Problem transforming Have specific uses Developed from other heuristics (Exapted) Is it heuristics all the way up?
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Hume & heuristics
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Exaptation & heuristics Jerry-built products of evolution Evolutionary history Building a Ferrari from a Morris MM Developmental pathways Exaptation Using existing traits for new functions Feathers in dinosaurs and birds Human reason Typical product of evolution Kahneman & Tversky studies Collection of heuristics Is human reason bounded because of evolution?
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Dual process accounts Jonathan Evans & others Heuristics System 1 Evolutionarily old Logical Thinking System 2 Evolutionarily new Problem People do use logic Human reasoning is bounded How does system 2 work?
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Humean ‘dualism’? Hume’s 2 ‘systems’ Habits – heuristics Reasons – System 2 Hume – the original dual process theorist? No Problem of induction 250 years of looking for solution Problem affects deductive reasoning, also System 2, either Runs into problem of induction Heuristics that use logical features of environment
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A naturalist Hume A different view of the problem of induction Not a problem A basic epistemic limit Hume’s fact of reasoning Heuristics are the response Heuristics wherever Hume’s ‘Problem’ Relevance to evolution?
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Heuristics all the way down Evolution is back-ward looking Adaptations suit previous environments Not necessarily future ones Environmental changes may lead to extinction Arms races (cheetahs & gazelles) Evolution short-sighted due to problem of induction Adaptations are also heuristics Hume’s problem is the fundamental epistemic limit Determines what evolutionary processes possible Determines what cognitive processes possible
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Open-endedness and generative entrenchment
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Evolution & engineering Contrast between Evolutionary processes Small changes Every step must be satisficing Engineering projects Novel solutions Only end product satisfices Evolutionary landscape Wheel Evolutionary products more limited? In one sense, yes Most limits due to Evolutionary histories Developmental paths
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Open-ended bounded rationality Human reason bounded but open-ended Develops and obtains new abilities Consists of a set of heuristics but Develops new heuristics Exapts existing heuristics to novel functions Open-endedness makes it possible to transcend particular limitations While still remaining bounded Open-endedness key trait of evolution & cognition Engineered systems either Closed ‘end-products’ and of little interest Open-ended
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Step-wise development & GE Hume’s problem forces Open-ended systems to develop in step-wise manner Generative entrenchment (GE) Existing heuristics make new heuristics possible Wheel required for automobile The more connections the more entrenched New transport systems & existing infrastructure Human pyramid GE results from open-ended development History/development paths significant for all open-ended systems Development of open-ended engineered systems will have basic traits of evolutionary change
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Evolution & artificiality Artificial systems Etymological root - artifice Adapted to their environment By evolution By engineers Some traits explained in terms of environment Atrophy of eyes in cave animals Structure of the tire
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Conclusions Hume’s ‘problem’ of ‘induction’ The basic epistemic limit Applies to all artificial systems Forces the use of heuristics Limits how open-ended artificial systems can develop Forces the use of evolutionary processes
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One more pyramid konrad@talmont.com http://deisidaimon.wordpress.com
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