Adaptation in Natural and Artificial Systems An Introductory Analysis with Applications to Biology, Control, and Artificial Intelligence

by Holland, John H.

• ISBN13: 9780262581110
• ISBN10: 0262581116
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1992-04-29
• Publisher: Bradford Books

Summary

Genetic algorithms are playing an increasingly important role in studies of complex adaptive systems, ranging from adaptive agents in economic theory to the use of machine learning techniques in the design of complex devices such as aircraft turbines and integrated circuits. Adaptation in Natural and Artificial Systemsis the book that initiated this field of study, presenting the theoretical foundations and exploring applications. In its most familiar form, adaptation is a biological process, whereby organisms evolve by rearranging genetic material to survive in environments confronting them. In this now classic work, Holland presents a mathematical model that allows for the nonlinearity of such complex interactions. He demonstrates the model's universality by applying it to economics, physiological psychology, game theory, and artificial intelligence and then outlines the way in which this approach modifies the traditional views of mathematical genetics. Initially applying his concepts to simply defined artificial systems with limited numbers of parameters, Holland goes on to explore their use in the study of a wide range of complex, naturally occuring processes, concentrating on systems having multiple factors that interact in nonlinear ways. Along the way he accounts for major effects of coadaptation and coevolution: the emergence of building blocks, or schemata, that are recombined and passed on to succeeding generations to provide, innovations and improvements. John H. Holland is Professor of Psychology and Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan. He is also Maxwell Professor at the Santa Fe Institute and is Director of the University of Michigan/Santa Fe Institute Advanced Research Program.

Author Biography

John H. Holland is Professor of Psychology and Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan; he is also Trustee and External Professor at the Santa Fe Institute. He is the author of Hidden Order: How Adaptation Builds Complexity and other books.

Table of Contents

Preface to the 1992 Edition

Preface

The General Setting

Introduction

Preliminary Survey

A Simple Artificial Adaptive System

A Complex Natural Adaptive System

Some General Observations

A Formal Framework

Discussion

Presentation

Comparison with the Dubins-Savage Formalization of the Gambler's Problem

Illustrations

Genetics

Economics

Game-Playing

Searches, Pattern Recognition, and Statistical Inference

Control and Function Optimization

Central Nervous Systems

Schemata

The Optimal Allocation of Trials

The 2-Armed Bandit

Realization of Minimal Losses

Many Options

Application to Schemata

Reproductive Plans and Genetic Operators

Generalized Reproductive Plans

Generalized Genetic Operators--Crossing-Over

Generalized Genetic Operators--Inversion

Generalized Genetic Operators--Mutation

Further Increases in Power

Interpretations

The Robustness of Genetic Plans

Adaptive Plans of Type

The Robustness of Plans

Robustness Vis-A-Vis A Simple Artificial Adaptive System

Robustness Vis-A-Vis A Complex Natural Adaptive System

General Consequences

Adaptation of Codings and Representations

Fixed Representation

The "Broadcast Language"

Usage

Concerning Applications and the Use of Genetic Plans to Modify Representations

An Overview

Insights

Computer Studies

Advanced Questions

Interim and Prospectus

In the Interim

The Optimal Allocation of Trials Revisited

Recent Work

Possibilities

Glossary of Important Symbols

Bibliography

Index

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