Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Delanda v. Wolfram

Delanda and Wolfram are almost temporally opposed when it comes to the notion of intensity. Delanda cites the medieval philosophical concept of intensive vs. extensive thinking to explain the difference between that which can be subdivided and that which cannot (intensive being the latter). He further points out that since differences in intensity can have the ability of canceling each other out, they can drive change in a system and ultimately become a productive force.

Wolfram never really uses the word intensity (or intense, or intensive), but the notion underlies his description of his cellular automata. His tipping point is sneakier to find, but there is a moment when particular rules create something completely unexpected and unpredictable. It could be said that the point at which the rule becomes unquantifiable is a moment of intensity.

Delanda sees intensity as a defined property. Wolfram sees it as a happy accident.

No comments: