Self-Modifying Code in Open-Ended Evolutionary Systems

Abstract: Having a model and being able to implement open-ended evolutionary systems is important for advancing our understanding of open-endedness. Complex systems science and newest generation high-level programming languages provide intriguing possibilities to do so. First, some recent advances in modelling and implementing open-ended evolutionary systems are reviewed. Then, the so-called allagmatic method is introduced that describes, models, implements, and allows interpretation of complex systems. After highlighting some current modelling and implementation challenges, model building blocks of open-ended evolutionary systems are identified, a system metamodel of open-ended evolution is formalised in the allagmatic method, an implementation self-modifying code prototype with a high-level programming language is provided, and guidance from the allagmatic method to create code blocks is described. The proposed prototype allows modifying code at runtime in a controlled way within a system metamodel. Since the allagmatic method has been built based on metaphysical concepts borrowed from Gilbert Simondon and Alfred N. Whitehead, the proposed prototype provides a promising starting point to interpret novelty generated at runtime with the help of a metaphysical framework.