Algorithmic Phenomena in Nature: an Explanation Model

Abstract

The trend of algorithmic modeling of the phenomena of the surrounding world is gaining strength at the present time. The idea of a computational Universe has been put forward and is actively developing. All its processes are algorithmic in nature. In this regard, it is of interest to analyze the relationship between phys­ical processes described in the usual terms of the laws of nature and physical processes of an algorithmic nature. Algorithmic processes are analyzed using a number of examples. Distinctive features are: 1) a negligible probability of ac­cidentally meeting them in nature; 2) the division into steps; 3) a sequence of steps require the presence of a control (cybernetic) structure, a subject of action; 4) the functioning of the subject of action can be described anthropomorphically, as following the rules of the form “If A, perform d to start the physical process f”; 5) “breakdown” of the control structure leads to a violation of the al­gorithm, but not to a violation of the laws of nature. An algorithm in physical na­ture is a sequence of physical processes that are initiated by a control structure that acts as the subject of an action. Such understanding of a physical algorithm covers both living and non-living nature. In the human world, we find algorithms in various skills to operate intelligently with objects and create artifacts with al­gorithmic characteristics.