Philosophy of information and messages in DNA

Abstract

Purpose

A recent discussion on the CybCom discussion list is reviewed, making a comparison of views of information due to Bateson and Shannon. The discussion extends to theories involving cellular automata and their relationship, as well as that of mathematics in general, to the real world. A recent suggestion that messages from extraterrestrials may be coded in DNA is discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.

Findings

The discussion is essentially philosophical and thought‐provoking.

Practical implications

A passing reference is made to methods for pattern recognition, and to the Bremermann limit with its bearing on ultimate computing capability. Attitudes to information exchange have a bearing on sociological theories, and behaviour of cellular automata is claimed to model communication between bacteria. The final note on extraterrestrial communication via DNA may redirect activity in the search for such communication and is evidence of an increasingly liberal attitude to scientific publication.

Originality/value

It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.

Citation

Andrew, A.M. (2005), "Philosophy of information and messages in DNA", Kybernetes, Vol. 34 No. 6, pp. 766-769. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684920510595472