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Replicating Robert Rosen's (M,R) Systems This publication appears in: ISSS Authors: R. Cottam, W. Ranson and R. Vounckx Issue: 2006 Pages: 378 Publication Year: 2006
Abstract: The central interest of this paper is Robert Rosen's replicating (M,R)-Systems, presented in his
book Life Itself, where M and R signify Metabolism and Repair, respectively. We look anew at
Rosen's model of an organism in the light of extensive research into natural hierarchical systems,
and this paper presents conclusions drawn from a comparison between Rosen's relational model
of an organism and that of a birational complementary natural hierarchy. Rosen's model is
'replicated' in a number of different ways which lend credence to the argument that birationality
sheds new light on the nature of life and the usefulness of his accomplishments. Careful
assessment also prompts a number of questions as to the validity and comprehensiveness of the
book's arguments. We accept that Rosen's relational model has provided a useful stepping stone
to understanding the nature of life, but also suggest that it induces potentially digressive
conclusions. We conclude that a binary segregation of relational assemblies into mechanisms and
organisms is insufficient, and we indicate how a three-fold segregation throws new light on
Rosen's model. An organism is not 'the complement of a mechanism': the complement of a
mechanism is its ecosystem: an organism is the 'complex interface' between mechanism and
ecosystem.
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