On Physical Origins of Learning

TL;DR

This paper explores the physical origins of learning, proposing that learning mechanisms can arise from simple physical systems based on energy dynamics, beyond biological or evolutionary explanations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel perspective that learning can originate from physical energy accumulation processes in resonant systems, independent of biological evolution.

Findings

Learning properties can be modeled with simple physical systems.

Energy accumulation in resonant systems explains key learning features.

Physical models reproduce learning behaviors without biological mechanisms.

Abstract

The quest to comprehend the origins of intelligence raises intriguing questions about the evolution of learning abilities in natural systems. Why do living organisms possess an inherent drive to acquire knowledge of the unknown? Is this motivation solely explicable through natural selection, favoring systems capable of learning due to their increased chances of survival? Or do there exist additional, more rapid mechanisms that offer immediate rewards to systems entering the "learning mode" in the "right ways"? This article explores the latter possibility and endeavors to unravel the possible nature of these ways. We propose that learning may have non-biological and non-evolutionary origin. It turns out that key properties of learning can be observed, explained, and accurately reproduced within simple physical models that describe energy accumulation mechanisms in open resonant-type systems with dissipation.