Pattern Formation and Pattern Recognition — An Attempt at a Synthesis

The above sentences by Norbert Wiener form by themselves a pattern. When we look at such a pattern our first impression might be that a pattern is something static. However, when thinking somewhat more about patterns we realize that patterns are intimately connected wi1 processes. First of all, a pattern has been formed. For instance the above pattern was first conceived, then printed etc. On the other hand, when we look at a pattern, it induces processes in our brain leading to the perception of the pattern. Similarly, patterns induce processes in other biological systems or in machines. In this way both pattern formation and pattern recognition are connected with dynamic processes.