Assembly theory explains and quantifies selection and evolution.

ABSTRACT: Scientists have grappled with reconciling biological evolution^1,2 with the immutable laws of the Universe defined by physics. These laws underpin life's origin, evolution and the development of human culture and technology, yet they do not predict the emergence of these phenomena. Evolutionary theory explains why some things exist and others do not through the lens of selection. To comprehend how diverse, open-ended forms can emerge from physics without an inherent design blueprint, a new approach to understanding and quantifying selection is necessary^3-5. We present assembly theory (AT) as a framework that does not alter the laws of physics, but redefines the concept of an 'object' on which these laws act. AT conceptualizes objects not as point particles, but as enti

SUBMITTER: Sharma A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10567559 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature