Draft:Panevolutionary Theory

• Comment: Panevolutionary Theory poses a dramatic paradigm shift in the understanding of evolution by proposing a Grand Unifying Theory that unites all aspects of how matter and energy are organized in all contexts. obvious pseudoscience. Also COI. Fermiboson (talk) 15:41, 31 December 2023 (UTC)

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Panevolutionary Theory proposes a model of evolution based on information management systems. The theory addresses the concept of evolution as changes in the organization of matter in the universe. It extends the concept of evolution to encompass Neo-Darwinian theory through the use of the common denominator of Coded Information Networks (CIN) that guide the organization of matter and energy. The appellation Panevolutionary Theory was given by Jay Silverstein in a 2021 publication; however, numerous scholars have independently published similar theories and models that refocus the study of evolution beyond the limitations of genetic coding and natural selection. Panevolutionary Theory poses a dramatic paradigm shift in the understanding of evolution by proposing a Grand Unifying Theory that unites all aspects of how matter and energy are organized in all contexts.

Context and Reason for Panevolutionary Theory

Neo-Darwinian Theories including the Modern Synthesis and Extended Synthesis provided a narrow explanation for the changes over time in the organization of matter and energy limited to those controlled by selective forces influencing genetic codes. By design, they do not deal with non-genetic systems and have only limited use in considering genetic systems influenced by cognitive intention. Thus, the derivative theories of Darwin have defined the dominant paradigm in evolutionary studies since Darwin first published On the Origin of Species in 1859; however, the limitations of the theory, particularly as applied to human behavior, are acknowledged and apparent. The Darwinian paradigm does not account for all dimensions of culture, the complexity of abiogenesis, or potential future forms of existence. Silverstein explains the rationale for a need to change the current evolutionary paradigm stating,

Contrary to the assumptions of Neo-Darwinian Uniformitarianism, the complexity of information management in the Panevolutionary model has horizons in which rules that direct the mechanics of how information is maintained, transmitted, and acted upon radically change. Innovations occur that represent revolutions in the organization and management of matter that achieve emergent characteristics that fundamentally change the nature of what can exist.

Precepts of Panevolutionary Theory

Silverstein's Panevolutionary Theory emphasizes several key points that have significant scientific and moral implications:

Unifying Theory of Physics and Evolution:

The discussion integrates evolutionary concepts with a unifying theory of physics. It emphasizes that culture, creativity, and imagination are manifestations of matter and energy, ordered through the substrate of the universe. Evolution is viewed as a process of organizing matter and energy into progressively complex systems.

Information as a Transformative Force:

Information is considered a transformative and elusive force. The complexity of information systems, such as language, culture, and knowledge, adds multiplicative value and power. Silverstein highlights that information is context-dependent and inherently linked to complexity.

Epochs and Horizons in Evolution:

Defining epochs in evolution is based on horizons that significantly transform the rules governing the organization, agency, and activity of matter. The recognition of game-changing moments, particularly in the Cognitive-CIN epoch, suggests that human cognition and the ability to manipulate knowledge have broad implications, extending to the laws of physics.

Responsibility and Moral Oversight:

Silverstein underscores the responsibility and moral oversight that come with the evolutionary developments in the Cognitive CIN (C-CIN) epoch. Humanity, possessing the power to order knowledge and shape the fate of the Earth, is seen as having agency and moral responsibilities. The model implies that humans are not indifferent or passive actors in the world and that they are not constrained by the stochastic forces of natural selection.

Imagination as a Defining Evolutionary Force:

Silverstein underscores the responsibility and moral oversight that come with the evolutionary developments in the Cognitive CIN (C-CIN) epoch. Humanity, possessing the power to order knowledge and shape the fate of the Earth, is seen as having agency and moral responsibilities. The model implies that humans are not indifferent or passive actors in the world and that they are not constrained by the stochastic forces of natural selection.

Epochs of Coded Information Networks (CINs):

Panevolution divides the systems of storing and using information (CIN) to shape the nature of reality into broad categories. These categories are modal rather than exhaustive and they could be subdivided with finer analysis of the information storage and use potential. They do, however, model the increasing complexity of the universe. Note that the evolution of new CIN categories does not imply the replacement or cessation of less complex CINs, but rather represents a stacking and use of earlier CINs as part of the infrastructure for more complex methods of coding, storing, and using information. The CINs proposed by Silverstein are Zoetic, Phusitic, Noetic, and Synthetic Evolution.^[1][2]

The theory identifies four epochs, each characterized by distinct mechanisms of information management and emergent capabilities for the manufacture of correspondingly complex forms of matter. Here's a summary of each epoch:

I. Natural CIN (N-CIN) - Phusitic Evolution:

Represents foundational forces capable of creating information systems through abiogenesis. Aligned with Natural Convention and the lowest orders of Biological Organization.

II. Biomolecular CIN (B-CIN) - Zoetic Evolution:

Marks the introduction of genetic evolutionary phenomena with the coding of information as complex organic compounds. Encompasses cellular metabolism, replication, mutation, and epigenetic means of inheritance.

III. Cognitive CIN (C-CIN) - Noetic Evolution:

Noetic Evolution is defined by the development of cognitive thought with the advent of humanity. Humans acquire self-awareness, the ability to symbolize and recode knowledge, apply creativity, and transmit knowledge through extrasomatic means. It represents a shift from biological to cultural evolution, where culture is influenced by metaphysical and existential ideas, scientific comprehension, creativity, technological innovations, and imagination.

IV. Synthetic CIN (S-CIN) - Noetic Evolution:

Defined by the creation of systems capable of storing and processing vast archives of digital information. Involves the augmentation of organic cognitive capabilities or the creation of non-organic synthetic forms with autonomous information processing abilities. May culminate in the advent of non-organic synthetic forms of independent cognitive beings.

Entropy, Negentropy, and Existence

From the beginning, the universe favored complexity. The inception of time and space began with atoms of the simplest form. From the theoretical origin of our universe with the Big Bang, the instructions for the creation of simple atoms like Hydrogen and Deuterium were encoded within the matrix of existence. The instructions inherent in the laws of physics and the creation of space-time then directed simple atoms and subatomic particles to reorganize themselves into more complex elements and compounds. Existence has demonstrated an adept ability to evolve mechanisms that direct matter to reshape itself into more complex forms. Science has convincingly modeled the processes and the pattern is irrefutable, the universe plants seeds of complexity and creates new means of harnessing knowledge to reshape matter and control energy. Ludwig Boltzmann (1875) rightly observed that the struggle for existence was not a struggle for resources but rather a struggle against entropy. The absurd success of the universe at evolving systems that defy entropy is salient in Michio Kaku’s observation that “Physicists are made of atoms. A physicist is an attempt by an atom to understand itself.”

Trends Toward Increased Potential:

The evolution of information management systems follows a trajectory of increased organization and potential to modify the world. Abiogenesis led to the formation of DNA-based self-replicating systems with mechanisms for adaptation and increasing complexity. Human cognition introduced a non-organic means for organizing matter and energy with near-infinite potential for symbolizing, organizing, and applying data to reality. Each subsequent introduction of a system of coded information compounds the potential to manipulate matter and energy in the universe. The theory emphasizes a shift in focus from the means of information transmission to the importance of information itself. It suggests that both genetic and cultural evolution shape matter and energy into coherent forms, using different conduits and following different rules. The overall trend is toward increased complexity and organization, with the potential for modifying the nature of existence through information management systems.

In summary, Silverstein's Panevolutionary Theory proposes a comprehensive framework that extends beyond traditional evolutionary theories, incorporating the role of information, cognition, and human agency in shaping the trajectory of evolution. It encourages a reevaluation of evolution in the context of information management, emphasizing the transformative power of knowledge and the moral responsibilities associated with it.