an online book by David Gurteen
The concept of functional information is an attempt to rigorously define the information content of biological systems. The concept was originated by a group led by Jack W. Szostak in 2003.
Credit: Wikipedia - functional informationWe use the word meaning all the time, often assuming it is clear and stable. The problem is that meaning is usually treated as something contained in words rather than something that arises in use and relationship. A relational view shifts attention from definitions to interaction, context, and what meaning makes possible. Continue reading Rethinking Meaning How meaning arises through use and relationship
Complex systems are all around us, but understanding them isn’t just about recognizing their appearance. The real challenge is explaining how they work and why they persist. Functional information provides a practical approach to viewing structure in terms of its use, value, and consequences. Continue reading Making Sense of Functional Information Viewing things by how they work, not just how they look
Life stands apart in its complexity, far beyond anything seen in non-living systems. The challenge is knowing how to clearly and measurably detect this complexity. Assembly Theory offers a method: look for objects that are both complex and abundant, shaped by the quiet force of selection. Continue reading The Informational Theory of Life How complexity and selection shape living systems
We respond to the world not only through thought but also through what feels possible. Sometimes things invite action without explanation. Understanding affordance helps us notice these silent cues and shape conditions that make different actions more likely. Continue reading Affordance Is About Possibility ** Understanding action through the relationship between people and things
