Prof. Hermann Haken (Stuttgart, Germany)

Can we transfer principles of non-equilibrium physics to embodied cognition?
„Embodied Cognition“ implies that cognition takes place on a material substrate which, according to our general understanding, has to obey principles of physics. In order to specify more closely the kind of physical principles we must specify the kind of biological system we are dealing with. Perhaps with the exception of viruses, all biological systems are driven away from thermal equilibrium by an input of energy, matter and/or information. Because of the processing of this input, spatial, temporal, spatio-temporal or functional structures are achieved or maintained. Through the past decades, a number of structure forming physical systems have been studies in great detail, whereby general principles could be unearthed. Incidentally, this has led to a critical consideration of thermodynamic concepts such as entropy, temperature, free energy, when applied to non-equilibrium systems. The importance of transition rates versus energy differences will be discussed. An important role is played by non-equilibrium phase transitions which were studied using concepts such as order parameters and enslavement. I will make contact with theories on visual perception and the concept of intention as treated by Tschacher and Friston.

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25.02.2009/cb