AI Seminar
November 11, 2002

Wirt Atmar

Speculation on the evolution of intelligence and its possible realization
in machine form.

Abstract:
The simulation of evolution for the purposes of paramenter optimization
has generally demonstrated itself to be a robust and rapid optimization
technique. But more value exists in simulating evolution than simple
parameter optimizations. The optimizations of system behavior obtained
through simulated evolution represent a potentially powerful pathway to
machine self-learning and self-organization. Indeed, the simulation of
evolution may eventually prove to be the only practical path to the
development of machine intelligence.

Simulated evolutionary optimization is a machine intelligence technique
still in its infancy, yet it is nonetheless an autopoetic mechanism of
machine learning that can reasonably be expected to continue to grow in
importance and practical benefit. As the availability of massively
parallel processors becomes increasingly common, the value of simulated
evolutionary techniques will become increasingly apparent, if for no
other reason than the natural match between the technique and the
emerging technology.

Intelligence has been built into natural processes in three ways:
phylogenetically, sociogenetically, or ontogenetically. Although quite
differently accomplished, they are functionally equivalent processes.
Each represents a mechanism of retaining appropriate behaviors learned
through trial-and-error experience.

The individual human is composed of ca. 6x10^13 distinct cells, but
there is no single cell where intelligence resides. Those patterns of
behavior that would commonly be described as intelligence exist because
of the co-operative interdependence of a great mass of rather identical
units (cells) organized into distinct castes of behavior (tissue). The
capacity for intelligent behavior does not randomly "emerge" from this
mass. Rather, it is selected for its advantageous properties, as a unit
whole, and is evolved throughout the lineage of trials,
phylogenetically. "Intelligence" is not the end-product of evolution,
nor is it a distinct process. The constant evolution of increasingly
appropriate system behavior permeates every aspect of the process of
evolution.