Re: Question on Non-simulability

[Tim Gwinn <***>]

Two natural systems (the mechanical system and the electrical system) that
encode/decode into the same formal model would be considered models of each
other. The modeling relation between the two natural systems is an "analogy"
in Rosen's terminology (Life Itself p. 62-63).

Regards,
Tim

> -----Original Message-----
> From: ROSEN Forum [mailto:*** Behalf Of Howard
> Pattee
> Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2004 3:54 PM
> To: ***
> Subject: Re: Question on Non-simulability
>
>
> John,
>
> Real analog computers were popular 60 years ago before digital
> computers took over. If you want to know more see
> http://dcoward.best.vwh.net/analog/ or Google ?analog computer?.
>
> Your interesting question is whether an electrical analog of the
> mechanical pendulum is a simulation or a model. It all depends on
> definitions. We say a model has the same (or similar?) causal
> structure. Since the formal equations for both the circuit and
> the pendulum are isomorphic (formally identical) one could argue
> they model each other. On the other hand, the physical forces
> causing the actions are completely different. In that sense they
> are simulations.
>
> What is your opinion, Tim?
>
> Howard
>