fbaube@NOTE.NSF.GOV (Fred Baube) (11/12/87)
"Artificial Life: Can Computers Discern the Soul", New York Times, Teu 29 Sept 1987, Science section Do not be misled by the title. This article describes experiments in computational simulation of gene replication and mutation, and the self-organization that arises thru the application of simple selection mechanisms. For Dr. Dawkins of Oxford, "The only criterion for viability is the human eye - whether it appeals or not. To his surprise, he found that the combination of random mutation and directed selection worked rapidly, within a few dozen generations, to produce shapes resembling insects or crustaceans. The idea is to show how quickly complexity can arise without a preordained plan." The article further discusses "genetic algorithms" and "self-replicating automata". This topic seems a natural for computer scientists.