Summary

Argues creativity = evolution (variation + selection), responding to Deutsch/Hall’s “open-endedness” objection. Core claim: Randomness (variation) + purposeful selection = creativity; not mysterious. Critics say simulations fail to replicate open-ended evolution, but this is computational complexity, not conceptual gap. Open-endedness explained: Emerges naturally from recursive multi-level evolution with dynamic fitness landscapes—earlier solutions create new selective pressures. Examples: AlphaGo, GANs, Avida show partial open-endedness. Conclusion: Evolution conceptually complete for explaining creativity; simulation difficulty ≠ theoretical incompleteness. Defends evolutionary epistemology against Deutschian critique.

Tags

Cross-References

  • Related: Deutsch’s Beginning of Infinity, Brett Hall critique

Notes

  • Engages directly with Deutsch/Hall
  • Strong claims about conceptual completeness
  • Cites AlphaGo, GANs, evolutionary simulations
  • Sets up deeper creativity discussion