Reverse Engineering of Biological Systems Uncovers Nested Affordances that Evince Purpose

About Reverse Engineering of Biological Systems Uncovers Nested Affordances that Evince Purpose

Abstract

As increasing numbers of engineers and biologists team-up to reverse engineer living systems, they not only discover more and more about how these amazing systems work, but they also uncover nested affordance structures that speak of the mastery of a cosmic engineer. These structures are reminiscent of those found in artificial systems, except that the natural systems are more elegant, complex, and efficient. By virtue of the organism/environment interface, living systems enjoy a myriad of affordances (capabilities arising from this interface) that only exist because of numerous sequences of intricate dependencies in both space and time. As these systems have evolved, the extent and complexity of these nested affordances has increased to the point where human beings now possess both terrific and terrifying powers for both good and evil. Drawing on the expertise of those who practice affordance-based reverse engineering of artificial systems, this approach is applied to biological systems in an effort to address questions of meaning and purpose. What was in the mind of the original engineer? And why have living systems evolved to such a perilous predicament? Concepts and techniques from the field of engineering are combined with ideas from biology and environmental psychology, such as epigenetics (how behavior affects gene expression) and niche construction to understand the intergenerational significance of these remarkable affordance structures. Conscious agents make decisions that create or destroy affordances that their offspring will either enjoy or grieve over. This modified set of affordances is then passed on to descendants. What does it all mean? Is there an overarching purpose? This is where the field of engineering can be of assistance. Engineers create complex devices and environments to accomplish a purpose, and reverse engineers are adept at dissecting such devices in an effort to discern the underlying purpose. It has been suggested that such naturally occurring affordances constitute a compelling candidate for “first philosophy” and offer an objective window into the mind of the Maker. It is believed that this new aspect of natural theology will contribute to a deeper knowledge of God, and assist in the healing of the science and faith schism.