The Generative Programs Framework

[samkariu]

URL: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2307.11282.pdf Abstract

    Recently there has been significant interest in using causal modelling techniques to understand the structure of physical theories. However, the
    notion of ‘causation’ is limiting - insisting that a physical theory must involve
    causal structure already places significant constraints on the form that theory
    may take. Thus in this paper, we aim to set out a more general structural
    framework. We argue that any quantitative physical theory can be represented
    in the form of a generative program, i.e. a list of instructions showing how
    to generate the empirical data; the information-processing structure associated
    with this program can be represented by a directed acyclic graph (DAG). We
    suggest that these graphs can be interpreted as encoding relations of ‘ontological
    priority,’ and that ontological priority is a suitable generalisation of causation
    which applies even to theories that don’t have a natural causal structure. We
    discuss some applications of our framework to philosophical questions about
    realism, operationalism, free will, locality and fine-tuning.

[profnandaa]

Looking forward to this one. Let's do it as the first one in the new year. I'll schedule it and send invites - Jan 9, 2024.

[samkariu]

Ok. Sounds good.

[profnandaa]

Scheduled - https://www.linkedin.com/events/pwlnairobimeetup-10-thegenerati7140569262884110336/comments/

[profnandaa]

Thanks @samkariu for presenting. Here's the recording - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK2s-0wHJ0M