Multi-competence Cybernetics: The Study of Multiobjective Artificial Systems and Multi-fitness Natural Systems

This chapter provides a comparative discussion on natural and artificial systems. It focuses on multiobjective problems as related to the evolution of systems either naturally or artificially; yet, it should be viewed as relevant to other forms of adaptation. Research developments in areas such as evolutionary design, plant biology, robotics, A-life, biotechnology, and game theory are used to support the comparative discussion. A unified approach, namely multi-competence cybernetics (MCC) is suggested. This is followed by a discussion on the relevance of a Pareto approach to the study of nature. One outcome of the current MCC study is a suggested analogy between species and design concepts. Another resulting suggestion is that multi-fitness dynamic visualization of natural systems should be of a scientific value, and in particular for the pursuit of understanding of natural evolution by way of ∈dexthought experimentthought experiments. It is hoped, at best, that MCC would direct thinking into fruitful new observations on the multi-fitness aspects of natural adaptation. Alternatively, it is expected that such studies would allow a better understanding of the similarities and dissimilarities between the creation of natural and artificial systems by adaptive processes.