The Dynamical Emergence of Biology From Physics: Branching Causation via Biomolecules

Abstract

Biology differs fundamentally from the physics that underlies it. This paper1 proposes that the essential difference is that while physics at its fundamental level is Hamiltonian, in biology, once life has come into existence, causation of a contextual branching nature occurs at every level of the hierarchy of emergence at each time. The key feature allowing this to happen is the way biomolecules such as voltage-gated ion channels can act to enable branching logic to arise from the underlying physics, despite that physics per se being of a deterministic nature. Much randomness occurs at the molecular level, which enables higher level functions to select lower level outcomes according to higher level needs. Intelligent causation occurs when organisms engage in deduction, enabling prediction and planning. This is possible because ion channels enable action potentials to propagate in axons. The further key feature is that such branching biological behavior acts down to cause the underlying physical interactions to also exhibit a contextual branching behavior.

How Downwards Causation Occurs in Digital Computers

“…In digital computers, there is a logical hierarchy and an implementation hierarchy ([Ellis (2016)]: §2). The latter implements the former.…”

“…Multiple realisability is a key indicator that downward causation is taking place [Auletta, Ellis & Jaeger (2008)], [Ellis (2016)], because it indicates that higher level needs are driving lower level structure and outcomes. It does not matter which lower level entities are chosen to carry out higher level needs as long as they do the job; the effective causal entity at the lower level is the equivalence class at that level that does what is needed ([Anthony (2008)], [Ellis (2016)], [Bickle (2019)]). This is a central feature of digital computers: both hardware and software can be realised in multiple ways.…”

“…It has been claimed in Chapter 2 of [Ellis (2016)] that downwards causation takes place in digital computers, and this is implicit in Simon's discussion of technological systems ([Simon H A (1996)]), Tannebaum's description of hierarchical computer organisation ([Tanenbaum (2006)]), and Mellisinos' presentation of how the logical and physical levels in digital computers interrelate ([Mellisinos (1990)]). However none of these writings comment on how the branching logic of algorithms can be realised on the basis of the alleged underlying Hamiltonian physics, whose unitary nature is the essential basis for claims that supervenience -the statement that a specific lower level state uniquely determines a specific higher level state, and any difference in higher level state must be reflected in a difference in lower level statesundermines the possibility of strong emergence.…”

A proposed mechanism for mind-brain interaction using extended Bohmian quantum mechanics in Avicenna's monotheistic perspective

“…6 This result is adopted from our discussion with Prof. Ruth E. Kastner. 7 This imagination has two features. The first one is related to the limitations that is generated in mind upon the effect of matter/brain on mind and the mind capability.…”

“…Therefore, because of this similarity and our more advanced understanding of nature, the research on the mind-brain interaction and consciousness has begun in physics, by using our modern physical theories. In addition, some attitudes such as top-down causality developed by physicists like Ellis [4,5,6,7], some empirical neuroscience results about consciousness and brain activity pattern 1 , relation between a subject's report and brain activity record, as in Libet's experiment [9,10,11,12], and the mathematical and philosophical argumentsabout non-computational aspects of mind as in Penrose argument [13,14], has strengthened the quantum approach to mind-brain interaction and consciousness.…”