Dynamics of intelligent systems (Q1596210)

Recent advances in nonlinear dynamics demonstrate a remarkable complexity of patterns outside of equilibrium, which are derived from simple basic laws of physics. A class of mathematical models has been identified providing a variety of such patterns in the form of static, periodic, or chaotic attractors. These models appear to be so general that they predict not only physical, but also biological, economic, and social patterns of behavior. Such a phenomenological reductionism may suggest that, on the dynamical level of description, there is no difference between a solar system, a swarm of insects, and a stock market. However, this conclusion is wrong for a very simple reason: Even primitive living species possess additional non-Newtonian properties which are not included in the laws of Newtonian or statistical mechanics. These properties follow from a privileged ability of living species to possess a self-image (a concept introduced in mathematical phychology). We consider the existence of a self-image as a postulate to be added to classical physics for modeling behavior of living systems. We show that self-image can be incorporated into the mathematical formalism of a nonlinear dynamics which evolves in \ probability space. We demonstrate that one of the basic invariants of living systems is their ability to predict the future, which is associated with intelligence.