Life is Programmed Computation

Author(s): David Lynn Abel

All known life is:

• Multi-dimensionally programmed

• Instructed by Functional Informational

• Representationally symbol-system prescribed

• Coded

• Transcribed and translated

• Successfully cybernetically processed (“halts”)

• Is literally computed

• Algorithmically orchestrated

• Processed by ingeniously integrated circuits

These are all formal concepts, not mere mass/energy interactions. Thus, life is fundamentally abstract, conceptual and formal. Its formalisms are instantiated into mass/energy physicality using physicodynamically-inert configurable switch-settings. Representational Material Symbol Systems (MSS) are also used to prescribe logical functions instructed by Prescriptive Information (PI). Physical symbol vehicles (tokens) are sequenced according to rules, not laws. These rules are shared by source and destination governed only by arbitrary pre-agreements, not by laws or physical constraints. Most of life’s instructions are prescribed by coded programming which is often superimposed and multi-dimensional. This programming must be cybernetically processed by nanocomputers. Formal functional work, not just the work of physics, is done by ingenious molecular machines. Life exists in the form of Sustained Functional Systems (SFS) that continually compute interdependent, highly cooperative haltings. Integrated circuits orchestrate into physicality homeostatic metabolism. Active selections alone achieve sustained far from equilibrium defiance of 2nd Law thermodynamic propensities. Life is not a thermodynamic state. Life consists of prescribed computational processes.