Computer Viruses, Artificial Life and Evolution is a book published by Mark Ludwig in 1993. In this book he explores the connection between computer viruses and artificial life and their wider relationship with science. At a few points, he asks the perennial question of if viruses are alive. Ludwig draws on technology as well as biology, philosophy, and religion to discuss ideas in this book.
Ludwig starts with trying to find a definition of life or at least determining a few defining characteristics of a living thing. Reproduction, one of the defining characteristics of viruses and worms is discussed but dismissed as the only characteristic, as sodium crystals are capable of reproduction under some circumstances, yet mules are not.
Ludwig proposes five characteristics of life, though cautions that even these are still a pretty rough idea and should not be taken as a final answer:
- Ability to reproduce
- Emergent behavior
- Metabolism
- Ability to interact with/adapt to the environment.
- Ability to evolve
Emergent behavior (ability to do things not determined by some central program or controller) is where viruses fall particularly short. Ludwig speculates that a multitasking operating system like OS/2 might allow more possibilities for emergent behavior. Given this book was written when DOS was still the primary OS for most users, this was not fully explored. Ultimately, Ludwig concludes that viruses fall a bit short of what could be considered "alive", but does not totally dismiss the possibility that they could be used to study artificial life.
Viruses Mentioned
Criticism
Biologist Gert Korthof took issue with some parts of the book, which resulted in a short exchange between him and Ludwig. He says Ludwig overlooks the fact that natural selection means the interation of the organism and environment. He also says Ludwig overlooks the fact that the environment of an organism is sometimes another organism. Korthoff also says Ludwig seems to imply Darwin claims evolution creates species out of thin air. Korthoff also believes biological entities are too complicated to be modeled inside a computer.
Other Facts
The book contains paintings by Michaelangelo, who Ludwig describes as "the world's most famous virus writer".
Sources
Mark Ludwig. Computer Viruses, Artificial Life and Evolution. American Eagle Publications, Tuscon, Arizona. 1993
Gert Korthoff. Was Darwin Wrong, Mark A. Ludwig as an early Intelligent Design Advocate. 02-Feb-2006
Mark Ludwig, Gert Korthoff. Was Darwin Wrong, Mark Ludwig's Reply (with further replies by Korthoff). 10-Jun-2006