Jeffrey A Barrett
Biographic Data
| ID | 968182 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Jeffrey A Barrett |
| GIVEN NAMES | Jeffrey A |
| FAMILY NAME | Barrett |
| SIGNATURE | BARRETT J A |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of California, Irvine |
| VERIFIED | No |
| TOTAL WORKS | 38 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 103 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 38 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1994 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 6 |
The Efficacy of Human Learning in Lewis Signalling Games
Recent experimental evidence suggests that human subjects use a win–stay/lose–shift with inertia learning dynamics (WSLSwI) to establish signalling conventions in the context of Lewis signalling games. Here we consider the virtues and vices of this low-rationality dynamics. Most saliently, WSLSwI is much faster than simple reinforcement learning in establishing conventions. It is also more reliable in producing optimal signalling systems. And it …
Self-Assembling Games: Language, Learning, and Inquiry
The theory of self-assembling games studies how evolutionary games may emerge from more basic interactions and how simple games may become more complex as they are played. The book discusses Lewis-Skyrms signalling games then proceeds to hierarchical, dialogue, and network games. The games illustrate how simple trial-and-error learners may coevolve meaningful language use and inferential capacities, how social structures may emerge that allow for…
Algorithmic Randomness and Probabilistic Laws
Learning in Crawford–Sobel Signalling Games
Learning to Forget
Humean learning (how to learn)
David Hume’s skeptical solution to the problem of induction was grounded in his belief that we learn by means of custom . We consider here how a form of reinforcement learning like custom may allow an agent to learn how to learn in other ways as well. Specifically, an agent may learn by simple reinforcement to adopt new forms of learning that work better than simple reinforcement in the context of specific tasks . We will consider how such a boot…
Learning how to learn by self-tuning reinforcement
Humans and many animals are capable of learning and learning how to learn better. We are concerned here with one way that reinforcement learners might learn how to learn better. In an experiment described by Harlow in (Psychol Rev 56:51–65, 1949) a group of rhesus monkeys learn a new way of learning in the context of a specific type of problem. We will consider how such agents might coevolve a new learning dynamics and new attendant saliences. To…
Self-Assembling Games and the Evolution of Salience
We consider here how a generalized signaling game may self-assemble as the saliences of the agents evolve by reinforcement on those sources of information that in fact lead to successful action. On the present account, generalized signaling games self-assemble even as the agents coevolve meaningful representations and successful dispositions for using those representations. We will see how reinforcement on successful information sources also prov…
Epistemology and the Structure of Language
Language games and the emergence of discourse
Wittgenstein (Philosophical investigations, Basil Blackwell Ltd., 1958) used the notion of a language game to illustrate how language is interwoven with action. Here we consider how successful linguistic discourse of the sort he described might emerge in the context of a self-assembling evolutionary game. More specifically, we consider how discourse and coordinated action might self-assemble in the context of two generalized signaling games. The …
How signaling conventions are established
Situated observation in Bohmian mechanics
Quantum Randomness and Underdetermination
We consider the nature of quantum randomness and how one might have empirical evidence for it. We will see why, depending on one’s computational resources, it may be impossible to determine whether a particular notion of randomness properly characterizes one’s empirical data. Indeed, we will see why even an ideal observer under ideal epistemic conditions may never have any empirical evidence whatsoever for believing that the results of one’s quan…
On the Evolution of Compositional Language
We present here a hierarchical model for the evolution of compositional language. The model has the structure of a two-sender/one-receiver Lewis signaling game augmented with executive agents who may learn to influence the behavior of the basic senders and receiver. The model shows how functional agents might coevolve representational roles even as they evolve a reliable compositional language in the context of costly signaling. When successful, …
Propositional content in signals
Self-Assembling Networks
We consider how an epistemic network might self-assemble from the ritualization of the individual decisions of simple heterogeneous agents. In such evolved social networks, inquirers may be significantly more successful than they could be investigating nature on their own. The evolved network may also dramatically lower the epistemic risk faced by even the most talented inquirers. We consider networks that self-assemble in the context of both per…
The evolution, appropriation, and composition of rules
Typical worlds
Self-assembling Games
We consider how cue-reading, sensory-manipulation, and signalling games may initially evolve from ritualized decisions and how more complex games may evolve from simpler games by polymerization, template transfer, and modular composition. Modular composition is a process that combines simpler games into more complex games. Template transfer, a process by which a game is appropriated to a context other than the one in which it initially evolved, i…
The Prisoner's Dilemma
The Prisoner's Dilemma is one of the most fiercely debated thought experiments in philosophy and the social sciences, presenting the simple insight that when two or more agents interact, the actions that most benefit each individual may not benefit the group. The fact that when you do what is best for you, and I do what is best for me, we end up in a situation that is worse for both of us makes the Prisoner's Dilemma relevant to a broad range of …
Pure wave mechanics and the very idea of empirical adequacy
Entanglement and disentanglement in relativistic quantum mechanics
Rule-Following and the Evolution of Basic Concepts
This article concerns how rule-following behavior might evolve, how an old evolved rule might come to be appropriated to a new context, and how simple concepts might coevolve with rule-following behavior. In particular, we consider how the transitive inferential rule-following behavior exhibited by pinyon and scrub jays might evolve in the context of a variety of the Skyrms-Lewis signaling game, then how such a rule might come to be appropriated …
On the Faithful Interpretation of Pure Wave Mechanics
Given Hugh Everett III's understanding of the proper cognitive status of physical theories, his relative-state formulation of pure wave mechanics arguably qualifies as an empirically acceptable physical theory. The argument turns on the precise nature of the relationship that Everett requires between the empirical substructure of an empirically faithful physical theory and experience. On this view, Everett provides a weak resolution to both the d…
A Note on the Physical Possibility of Transfinite Computation
In this note, we consider constraints on the physical possibility of transfinite Turing machines that arise from how one models the continuous structure of space and time in one's best physical theories. We conclude by suggesting a version of Church's thesis appropriate as an upper bound for physical computation given how space and time are modeled on our current physical theories.
Dynamic Partitioning and the Conventionality of Kinds
Lewis sender-receiver games illustrate how a meaningful term language might evolve from initially meaningless random signals (Lewis 1969; Skyrms 2006). Here we consider how a meaningful language with a primitive grammar might evolve in a somewhat more subtle sort of game. The evolution of such a language involves the co-evolution of partitions of the physical world into what may seem, at least from the perspective of someone using the language, t…
Self-assembling Games
We consider how cue-reading, sensory-manipulation, and signalling games may initially evolve from ritualized decisions and how more complex games may evolve from simpler games by polymerization, template transfer, and modular composition. Modular composition is a process that combines simpler games into more complex games. Template transfer, a process by which a game is appropriated to a context other than the one in which it initially evolved, i…
Empirical Adequacy and the Availability of Reliable Records in Quantum Mechanics
In order to judge whether a theory is empirically adequate one must have epistemic access to reliable records of past measurement results that can be compared against the predictions of the theory. Some formulations of quantum mechanics fail to satisfy this condition. The standard theory without the collapse postulate is an example. Bell's reading of Everett's relative-state formulation is another. Furthermore, there are formulations of quantum m…
Propositional content in signals
Self-Assembling Networks
We consider how an epistemic network might self-assemble from the ritualization of the individual decisions of simple heterogeneous agents. In such evolved social networks, inquirers may be significantly more successful than they could be investigating nature on their own. The evolved network may also dramatically lower the epistemic risk faced by even the most talented inquirers. We consider networks that self-assemble in the context of both per…
Rule-Following and the Evolution of Basic Concepts
This article concerns how rule-following behavior might evolve, how an old evolved rule might come to be appropriated to a new context, and how simple concepts might coevolve with rule-following behavior. In particular, we consider how the transitive inferential rule-following behavior exhibited by pinyon and scrub jays might evolve in the context of a variety of the Skyrms-Lewis signaling game, then how such a rule might come to be appropriated …
Self-Assembling Games and the Evolution of Salience
We consider here how a generalized signaling game may self-assemble as the saliences of the agents evolve by reinforcement on those sources of information that in fact lead to successful action. On the present account, generalized signaling games self-assemble even as the agents coevolve meaningful representations and successful dispositions for using those representations. We will see how reinforcement on successful information sources also prov…
How signaling conventions are established
On the Evolution of Compositional Language
We present here a hierarchical model for the evolution of compositional language. The model has the structure of a two-sender/one-receiver Lewis signaling game augmented with executive agents who may learn to influence the behavior of the basic senders and receiver. The model shows how functional agents might coevolve representational roles even as they evolve a reliable compositional language in the context of costly signaling. When successful, …
The evolution, appropriation, and composition of rules
Are Our Best Physical Theories (Probably and/or Approximately) True
There is good reason to suppose that our best physical theories are false: In addition to its own internal problems, the standard formulation of quantum mechanics is logically incompatible with special relativity. I will also argue that we have no concrete idea what it means to claim that these theories are approximately true
The Persistence of Memory: Surreal Trajectories in Bohm's Theory
In this paper I describe the history of the surreal trajectories problem and argue that in fact it is not a problem for Bohm's theory. More specifically, I argue that one can take the particle trajectories predicted by Bohm's theory to be the actual trajectories that particles follow and that there is no reason to suppose that good particle detectors are somehow fooled in the context of the surreal trajectories experiments. Rather than showing th…
Pure wave mechanics and the very idea of empirical adequacy
On the Faithful Interpretation of Pure Wave Mechanics
Given Hugh Everett III's understanding of the proper cognitive status of physical theories, his relative-state formulation of pure wave mechanics arguably qualifies as an empirically acceptable physical theory. The argument turns on the precise nature of the relationship that Everett requires between the empirical substructure of an empirically faithful physical theory and experience. On this view, Everett provides a weak resolution to both the d…
The Preferred-Basis Problem and the Quantum Mechanics of Everything
Jereon Vink ([1993]) argued that there are two options for what he called a realistic solution to the quantum measurement problem: (1) select a preferred set of observables for which definite values are assumed to exist, or (2) attempt to assign definite values to all observables simultaneously (1810–1). While conventional wisdom has it that the second option is ruled out by the Kochen-Specker theorem, Vink nevertheless advocated it. Making every…
Language games and the emergence of discourse
Wittgenstein (Philosophical investigations, Basil Blackwell Ltd., 1958) used the notion of a language game to illustrate how language is interwoven with action. Here we consider how successful linguistic discourse of the sort he described might emerge in the context of a self-assembling evolutionary game. More specifically, we consider how discourse and coordinated action might self-assemble in the context of two generalized signaling games. The …
Situated observation in Bohmian mechanics
Quantum Randomness and Underdetermination
We consider the nature of quantum randomness and how one might have empirical evidence for it. We will see why, depending on one’s computational resources, it may be impossible to determine whether a particular notion of randomness properly characterizes one’s empirical data. Indeed, we will see why even an ideal observer under ideal epistemic conditions may never have any empirical evidence whatsoever for believing that the results of one’s quan…
A Note on the Physical Possibility of Transfinite Computation
In this note, we consider constraints on the physical possibility of transfinite Turing machines that arise from how one models the continuous structure of space and time in one's best physical theories. We conclude by suggesting a version of Church's thesis appropriate as an upper bound for physical computation given how space and time are modeled on our current physical theories.
Relativistic Quantum Mechanics through Frame-Dependent Constructions
This paper is concerned with the possibility and nature of relativistic hidden-variable formulations of quantum mechanics. Both ad hoc teleological constructions and frame-dependent constructions of spacetime maps are considered. While frame-dependent constructions are clearly preferable, a many-maps theory based on such constructions fails to provide dynamical explanations for local quantum events. Here the hidden-variable dynamics used in the f…
The Mind Matters: Consciousness and Choice in a Quantum World
Introduction Part I. Preliminaries: General approach and assumptions Mental events The consensus Part II. Against Mechanism: More and different information Plausible reasoning Consciousness selected by evolution Folk psychology Transcending the code Part III. Quantum Mechanics: Historical outline Some mechanics and mathematics The quantum mechanical state The development of the quantum state Combined systems The measurement problem Quantum theory…
Empirical Adequacy and the Availability of Reliable Records in Quantum Mechanics
In order to judge whether a theory is empirically adequate one must have epistemic access to reliable records of past measurement results that can be compared against the predictions of the theory. Some formulations of quantum mechanics fail to satisfy this condition. The standard theory without the collapse postulate is an example. Bell's reading of Everett's relative-state formulation is another. Furthermore, there are formulations of quantum m…
Oracles, Aesthetics, and Bayesian Consensus
In order for Bayesian inquiry to count as objective, one might argue that it must lead to a consensus among those who use it and share evidence, but presumably this is not enough. It has been proposed that one should also require that the consensus be reached from very different initial opinions by conditioning only on basic experimental evidence, evidence free from subjective, social, or psychological influence. I will argue here, however, that …
On the Nature of Experience in the Bare Theory
The Persistence of Memory: Surreal Trajectories in Bohm's Theory
In this paper I describe the history of the surreal trajectories problem and argue that in fact it is not a problem for Bohm's theory. More specifically, I argue that one can take the particle trajectories predicted by Bohm's theory to be the actual trajectories that particles follow and that there is no reason to suppose that good particle detectors are somehow fooled in the context of the surreal trajectories experiments. Rather than showing th…
Philosophical Concepts in Physics: The Historical Relation between Philosophy and Scientific Theories . James T. Cushing
Interpreting the Quantum World. Jeffrey Bub
PSA 2000 Contributed Paper Volume Introduction
An abstract is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. Please use the Get access link above for information on how to access this content
PSA 2000 Symposium Paper Volume Introduction
An abstract is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. Please use the Get access link above for information on how to access this content
Are Our Best Physical Theories (Probably and/or Approximately) True
There is good reason to suppose that our best physical theories are false: In addition to its own internal problems, the standard formulation of quantum mechanics is logically incompatible with special relativity. I will also argue that we have no concrete idea what it means to claim that these theories are approximately true
Relativistic Quantum Mechanics through Frame-Dependent Constructions
This paper is concerned with the possibility and nature of relativistic hidden-variable formulations of quantum mechanics. Both ad hoc teleological constructions and frame-dependent constructions of spacetime maps are considered. While frame-dependent constructions are clearly preferable, a many-maps theory based on such constructions fails to provide dynamical explanations for local quantum events. Here the hidden-variable dynamics used in the f…
The Preferred-Basis Problem and the Quantum Mechanics of Everything
Jereon Vink ([1993]) argued that there are two options for what he called a realistic solution to the quantum measurement problem: (1) select a preferred set of observables for which definite values are assumed to exist, or (2) attempt to assign definite values to all observables simultaneously (1810–1). While conventional wisdom has it that the second option is ruled out by the Kochen-Specker theorem, Vink nevertheless advocated it. Making every…
Dynamic Partitioning and the Conventionality of Kinds
Lewis sender-receiver games illustrate how a meaningful term language might evolve from initially meaningless random signals (Lewis 1969; Skyrms 2006). Here we consider how a meaningful language with a primitive grammar might evolve in a somewhat more subtle sort of game. The evolution of such a language involves the co-evolution of partitions of the physical world into what may seem, at least from the perspective of someone using the language, t…
A Note on the Physical Possibility of Transfinite Computation
In this note, we consider constraints on the physical possibility of transfinite Turing machines that arise from how one models the continuous structure of space and time in one's best physical theories. We conclude by suggesting a version of Church's thesis appropriate as an upper bound for physical computation given how space and time are modeled on our current physical theories.
On the Faithful Interpretation of Pure Wave Mechanics
Given Hugh Everett III's understanding of the proper cognitive status of physical theories, his relative-state formulation of pure wave mechanics arguably qualifies as an empirically acceptable physical theory. The argument turns on the precise nature of the relationship that Everett requires between the empirical substructure of an empirically faithful physical theory and experience. On this view, Everett provides a weak resolution to both the d…
Entanglement and disentanglement in relativistic quantum mechanics
Rule-Following and the Evolution of Basic Concepts
This article concerns how rule-following behavior might evolve, how an old evolved rule might come to be appropriated to a new context, and how simple concepts might coevolve with rule-following behavior. In particular, we consider how the transitive inferential rule-following behavior exhibited by pinyon and scrub jays might evolve in the context of a variety of the Skyrms-Lewis signaling game, then how such a rule might come to be appropriated …
The Prisoner's Dilemma
The Prisoner's Dilemma is one of the most fiercely debated thought experiments in philosophy and the social sciences, presenting the simple insight that when two or more agents interact, the actions that most benefit each individual may not benefit the group. The fact that when you do what is best for you, and I do what is best for me, we end up in a situation that is worse for both of us makes the Prisoner's Dilemma relevant to a broad range of …
Pure wave mechanics and the very idea of empirical adequacy
Typical worlds
Self-assembling Games
We consider how cue-reading, sensory-manipulation, and signalling games may initially evolve from ritualized decisions and how more complex games may evolve from simpler games by polymerization, template transfer, and modular composition. Modular composition is a process that combines simpler games into more complex games. Template transfer, a process by which a game is appropriated to a context other than the one in which it initially evolved, i…
The evolution, appropriation, and composition of rules
Propositional content in signals
Self-Assembling Networks
We consider how an epistemic network might self-assemble from the ritualization of the individual decisions of simple heterogeneous agents. In such evolved social networks, inquirers may be significantly more successful than they could be investigating nature on their own. The evolved network may also dramatically lower the epistemic risk faced by even the most talented inquirers. We consider networks that self-assemble in the context of both per…
Quantum Randomness and Underdetermination
We consider the nature of quantum randomness and how one might have empirical evidence for it. We will see why, depending on one’s computational resources, it may be impossible to determine whether a particular notion of randomness properly characterizes one’s empirical data. Indeed, we will see why even an ideal observer under ideal epistemic conditions may never have any empirical evidence whatsoever for believing that the results of one’s quan…
Computer Science (28 works) · Epistemology (22 works) · Philosophy (21 works) · Mathematics (17 works) · Philosophy and History of Science (15 works) · Physics (15 works) · Quantum Mechanics and Applications (14 works) · Psychology (13 works) · Artificial Intelligence (12 works) · Artificial Intelligence (11 works)