The physics of symbols: bridging the epistemic cut

Evolution requires the genotype phenotype distinction, a primeval epistemic cut that separates energy-degenerate. rate-independent genetic symbols fro m the rate-dependent dynamics of construction that they control. This symbo l-matter or subject-object distinction occurs at all higher levels where sy mbols are related to a referent by an arbitrary code. The converse of contr ol is measurement in which a rate-dependent dynamical state is coded into q uiescent symbols. Non-integrable constraints are one necessary condition fo r bridging the epistemic cut by measurement, control, and coding. Additiona l properties of heteropolymer constraints are necessary for biological evol ution. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.