Hamilton's Principle of Least Action

Neuronal dynamics conform to Hamilton's principle via free energy minimization; connects to physics.

Neighborhood — ranked by edge-count

Claims (2)

claim

A measure of the quality of intelligence is the thermodynamic efficiency with which it can be simulated; solutions requiring large computation violate Hamilton's principle and are not candidates for artificial intelligence capable of insight.
supports
Normative criterion for artificial intelligence derived from variational free energy principle
Active inference has no random or stochastic aspects; everything changes to minimize variational free energy in accord with Hamilton's principle of least action.
supports
Ontological claim about the deterministic nature of active inference agents in these simulations

Methods (1)

method

Gradient Descent on Variational Free Energy
associated_with
Process by which neuronal dynamics minimize free energy; produces empirically observable neural phenomena.

Concepts (1)

concept

principle of least action
related_tosame_as
A foundational principle in physics that nature follows the path of minimal action, linked to simplicity and inner calm.

Related by similarity (8)

cosine ≥ 0.65 · no typed edge

Entities in the same semantic neighborhood but without a typed relation to this one — candidates for new edges or unrecognized duplicates.

The principle of least action, though highly general, does not explain why the fifteen properties keep occurring in the world, and multiple competing explanations exist for the same phenomena.claim0.816
Alexander's critique of least action as an insufficient and non-unique explanation for morphogenesis
Mach's principleconcept0.749
The idea that gravitational constant is a function of all matter in the universe; cited as an example of wholeness in cosmology.
Present-day physics is completely governed by a system of differential equations... this entire rich system is now completely contained in a single theorem, the principle of least action.quote0.724
Planck's statement cited to establish the generality and indispensability of least action before Alexander argues it is still insufficient
Active inference dispenses with the Bellman optimality principle and replaces it with a (variational) principle of least action.claim0.708
§2, expected free energy section.
Acting to optimize value and perception are two aspects of exactly the same principle: minimization of free energy.claim0.706
Foundational claim unifying action and perception within single optimization framework.
The principle of unfolding wholeness is purely geometrical in character, not arithmetical and not energy-based, distinguishing it fundamentally from least action.claim0.703
Alexander's characterization of what makes his principle novel relative to least-action formulations
minimum energy principlesconcept0.698
Principles like least action that produce efficient forms in nature, contributing to simplicity and good shape.
The operational principle of a concept should mention only that concept and its directly or indirectly depended concepts.claim0.698
A rule relating operational principle to dependence graph.