Understanding Embodied Cognition by Building Models of Minimal Life

Preparatory Steps and a Preliminary Autopoietic Framework
Conference paper
First Online:
Part of the Communications in Computer and Information Science book series (CCIS, volume 830)

Abstract

A novel scenario is emerging from the synthetic biology advancements of the last fifteen years. We refer to a well-defined multidisciplinary sci-tech arena dedicated to the construction of biological-like systems, and, in particular, microscopic cell-like systems. The challenge of assembling a minimal cell from separated parts is generally considered the Holy Grail of biology. However, an accurate analysis of this emerging line of research, grounded in the theory of autopoiesis and its implications, is able to show its potentially high relevance for two other fields – artificial life and artificial intelligence. In this paper we intend to propose this perspective. Based on the critical discussion of recent trends and experimental results in synthetic biology, we sketch out how current research in this field can impact not only artificial life, but also artificial intelligence inquiries, in particular with respect to embodied cognition.

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Notes

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Pier Luigi Luisi (Roma Tre University and ETH Zürich) for inspiring discussions. This work has been stimulated by our involvement in the European COST Action CM-1304 “Emergence and Evolution of Complex Chemical Systems” and TD-1308 “Origins and evolution of life on Earth and in the Universe (ORIGINS)”.

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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Epistemology of the Sciences of the Artificial Research Group (ESARG), Department of Ancient and Modern CivilizationsUniversity of MessinaMessinaItaly
  2. 2.Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA)University of SalentoLecceItaly

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