Emergent Systems

An emergent system is a system that has properties or behaviors that are not present in its individual components, but arise from their interactions and relationships.

Our intent for Ludum Vitae as a platform is to offer set constraints, but with enough flexibility that features we have not imagined are created on top of our platform.

The Emergent behavior we are seeking:

• Simplification
• Smart Delegation
• Risk Analysis
• Distributed Problem Solving
• Diverse Outside Support

Slime Mold

Slime mold is a term that refers to various kinds of single-celled organisms that can aggregate into a multicellular mass under certain conditions. Slime molds were first discovered in the late 19th century by botanists who thought they were fungi, but later studies showed that they belong to a different group of eukaryotes called protists. Slime molds are considered an example of an emergent system, which is a phenomenon where simple components interact to produce complex and novel behavior that is not predictable from the individual parts. Some of the main points that illustrate the emergence of slime mold are:

• Slime molds can form networks of tubes that transport nutrients and signals throughout the mass. These networks can adapt to the environment by changing their shape, size, and connectivity, depending on the availability of food and the presence of obstacles or threats. The networks can also self-repair and self-organize without any central control or coordination.

• Slime molds can exhibit intelligent behavior, such as finding the shortest path between two points, solving mazes, recognizing patterns, and optimizing resource allocation. These behaviors are achieved by using simple rules and feedback mechanisms that rely on chemical-like signals and physical constraints. Slime molds can also learn from their experience and modify their behavior accordingly.

• Slime molds can cooperate and compete with each other, depending on the situation. Some species of slime molds can fuse with other individuals to form larger masses, while others can secrete toxins or enzymes to deter or digest competitors. Slime molds can also communicate with each other by sending and receiving signals that indicate their identity, location, and status.

Slime molds are a fascinating example of how simple cells can produce intelligent behavior through emergence. They challenge our conventional notions of what constitutes life, intelligence, and individuality. They also inspire new applications and models in various fields, such as robotics, computer science, engineering, and biology.

Other examples of Emergent Behavior

• The colony behavior of social insects such as ants and termites, which exhibit complex structures and behaviors without central control.
• The organization of cities and urban life, where neighborhoods develop and change through the interactions of their inhabitants.
• The human brain, with its neurons and synaptic connections, leading to consciousness and intelligence.
• Software applications, particularly those that utilize algorithms that mimic the decentralized behaviors found in nature, like cellular automata and artificial intelligence systems.
• Video games that simulate living ecologies and allow players to experience emergent behaviors through gameplay.
• The guild system of twelfth-century Florence, which was an early example of decentralized economic organization.
• The initial cell divisions in the beginning of life, showcasing self-organization at the biological level.
• Media experiences and political movements that are increasingly influenced by bottom-up rather than top-down forces.

These examples illustrate how emergent behavior can arise from simple rules and local interactions, leading to complex and sometimes unpredictable outcomes.