My essays and papers

Complexity Science

  • On consciousness

    Dynamic systems experiencing life

  • Complexity of Cognition

    Provides background on three main approaches to understanding cognition from the past century. Culminates in an overview of a newly proposed "complex systems" perspective that bridges gaps between traditional approaches.

  • Concepts of Intelligence

    Brief overview of Knowledge-based and Behaviour-based systems, examining their adequacy as models of intelligence. Highlights recent work beginning to narrow the gap between these two approaches.

Emergence

  • Emergence of Consciousness

    Examines and contrasts influential work on emergence in contemporary philosophy and science. Considers whether we are yet on the road to an emergentist science of consciousness.

  • Unpredictable Predictability

    Reviews current work in defining emergence and attempts to introduce a more formal definition. Approaches the emergence versus reduction debate through complexity theory and predictability frameworks.

  • What is Emergence?

    Examines the multifarious uses of the word "emergence" across numerous scientific and philosophical disciplines. Aims to clarify this complex concept through interdisciplinary analysis.

  • Cellular Automata

    • Looking for life

      Explores complex emergent behavior in natural systems like bee colonies, ant colonies, and flocking animals. Demonstrates how order emerges naturally from system dynamics without central control or coordination.

    • Investigations into Complexity

      Redefines Population Dynamics measures to create a formal methodology for Cellular Automata analysis. Introduces probabilistic analysis methods to better understand ordered, chaotic, and complex behaviors in CA systems.

    LLMs

    • The Semantic Song

      Demystifies the workings of Large Language Models by exploring their inner mechanics. Uses the accessible metaphor of a "semantic song" to explain LLM functionality.