Life's Complex Specified Information Is a Kind of Value.
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| Title: | Life's Complex Specified Information Is a Kind of Value. |
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| Authors: | Keas, Michael N. (AUTHOR), Gould, Paul M. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Zygon: Journal of Religion & Science. Jun2026, Vol. 61 Issue 2, p468-495. 28p. |
| Subjects: | Information theory, Biological systems, Physical cosmology, Genetic code, Epigenetics, Values (Ethics) |
| Abstract: | In this article, we argue that complex specified information (CSI) is an important feature of life and a kind of value that all life instantiates. In support of our first thesis, we demonstrate that life's CSI operates at three interacting levels: cosmic fine-tuning for a life-supportive environment; genetic and epigenetic information within biological life; and the capacity of intelligent life to detect and create CSI. In support of our second thesis—that life's CSI is a type of value—we demonstrate that life's CSI shares traits (normativity, rarity, and gradedness) in common with the three classical values: epistemic, moral, and aesthetic. We suggest a value theory (axiology) research program guided by the hypothesis that value itself is best understood as (primarily) normative rarity. We show how this approach to axiology can be guided by perspectives derived from the integration of cosmology, biology, and information theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | In this article, we argue that complex specified information (CSI) is an important feature of life and a kind of value that all life instantiates. In support of our first thesis, we demonstrate that life's CSI operates at three interacting levels: cosmic fine-tuning for a life-supportive environment; genetic and epigenetic information within biological life; and the capacity of intelligent life to detect and create CSI. In support of our second thesis—that life's CSI is a type of value—we demonstrate that life's CSI shares traits (normativity, rarity, and gradedness) in common with the three classical values: epistemic, moral, and aesthetic. We suggest a value theory (axiology) research program guided by the hypothesis that value itself is best understood as (primarily) normative rarity. We show how this approach to axiology can be guided by perspectives derived from the integration of cosmology, biology, and information theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 05912385 |
| DOI: | 10.16995/zygon.24416 |
