Ergodic theory of communication

Journal/Book: Syst Res. 1996; 13: 605 Third Ave, New York, NY 10158-0012. John Wiley & Sons Inc. 127-144.

Abstract: Communication consists of symbolic exchanges that are fundamental to social life, especially to the development of knowledge and civilization. The mechanisms granting these exchanges are investigated within morphodynamics, a new theory of complex systems. The theory assumes that these systems have ergodic behaviours in response to the random character of the natural environment; it follows that principles of conservation and growth govern long-term evolution. The theory further admits a cognitivist interpretation asserting rules for transformation between behaviours and symbolic representations, as well as for their exchange between partners. For instance, these rules govern such activities as observation of reality, construction and transmission of knowledge, and subsequent invention and production of artefacts. Thus, the theory yields an epistemology that satisfies the objectivity requirements of exact science. In addition, the paper discusses several examples, including processes of early cognition as described in infant psychology.

Note: Article R Fivaz, Ecole Polytech Fed Lausanne, Inst Phys Appl, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland

Keyword(s): complex systems; ergodicity; morphodynamics; symbolic representations; cognition; invention of artefacts; communication; epistemology; SYSTEMS

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