Cellular Automata, also called "cellular spaces", "tessellation
automata", "homogeneous structures", "cellular
structures", "tessellation structures", and "iterative
arrays," is a rule which is applied for physics, engineering,
mathematics, and science. Here is a general outline of what this complicated
concept is:
A cellular automaton (pl. cellular
automata, abbrev. CA) is a discrete model studied
in computability theory, mathematics, physics, complexity
science, theoretical biology and microstructure modeling. It consists
of a regular grid of cells, each in one of a finite number of states,
such as "On" and "Off" (in contrast to a coupled map
lattice). The grid can be in any finite number of dimensions. For each cell, a
set of cells called its neighborhood (usually including the
cell itself) is defined relative to the specified cell. For example, the
neighborhood of a cell might be defined as the set of cells a distance of 2 or
less from the cell. An initial state (time t=0) is selected by
assigning a state for each cell. A new generation is created
(advancing t by 1), according to some fixed rule (generally, a
mathematical function) that determines the new state of each cell in terms of
the current state of the cell and the states of the cells in its neighborhood.
For example, the rule might be that the cell is "On" in the next
generation if exactly two of the cells in the neighborhood are "On"
in the current generation; otherwise, the cell is "Off" in the
next generation. Typically, the rule for updating the state of cells is the
same for each cell and does not change over time, and is applied to the whole
grid simultaneously, though exceptions are known.
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| Various rules used for Cellular Automata |
Basically, it is a code for computer cells which “side step” by
time. There is a pattern to the cells movement. Wolfram has figured out how to
anticipate the cells movement to further mathematics and engineering. Often
times, he uses a snowflake as an example. A snowflake’s pattern is extremely
complicated, just like computer cells.
The
reason why Wolfram believes that this is a new kind of science is because
he figured out how to make this concept easier and actually able to use this
program with engineering and science. By fully understanding and knowing how
these cells work, it will be easier to read the patterns at work. He believes
that with the use of these cells, we may be able to figure out how the complex
patterns of natural selection, as well as genetics function. He specifically
created a set of rules and laws for each and every aspect of the cellular
automata so that if one rule does not apply, then another rule will override.
Because of this very reason that there can be research done to provide new
ways, and to find answers, he proceeds to call this a new kind of science. The
very fact that he is able to use this new idea to perform various tasks and
help him do unimaginable feats backs up his point. I personally believe that
his idea on this new kind of science is very plausible and foundational. He may
seem to be a bit arrogant in what he did; it shows how genius he is. There are
some ideas that he proposed that will be a phenomenon in this world and I can
surely say he is right in his claims.
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