A Formal Model for Adaptive Free Choice in Complex Systems

TL;DR

This paper introduces a formal, process-based model of free will in complex systems, emphasizing emergent properties and adaptive choices, with a measure of 'freedom' for each decision, focusing on external behaviors rather than internal states.

Contribution

It presents a novel formal model of free will based on emergent, adaptive choice processes and introduces a measure of freedom for singular choices in complex systems.

Findings

Defines a process ontology for free choice in complex systems

Introduces a formal measure of the 'freedom' of choices

Shows that free will emerges from aggregate choice processes

Abstract

In this article, I develop a formal model of free will for complex systems based on emergent properties and adaptive selection. The model is based on a process ontology in which a free choice is a singular process that takes a system from one macrostate to another. I quantify the model by introducing a formal measure of the `freedom' of a singular choice. The `free will' of a system, then, is emergent from the aggregate freedom of the choice processes carried out by the system. The focus in this model is on the actual choices themselves viewed in the context of processes. That is, the nature of the system making the choices is not considered. Nevertheless, my model does not necessarily conflict with models that are based on internal properties of the system. Rather it takes a behavioral approach by focusing on the externalities of the choice process.