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Lauren's picture

CAs in multiple overlapping dimensions

Taking that thought one step further, I have caught myself - up until now - thinking of smaller, simpler CA units as linking together in a linear fashion, much like a 2-dimensional puzzle. However, in the case of CAs, the observable presence of "randomness" and "increasing complexity" over time suggests that there is more than meets the eye. What if, in looking from a more 3-dimensional perspective, CAs function in layers where observers can only perceive the combined function of the outermost rule with the "invisible" rules present underneath. Like layers of paint in a masterpiece, it can be hard to see through to the most basic foundation without immediately observing how all the layers blend together. This blending can cloud the true nature of each level and lead the observer to see "randomness", where only the power of a super-observer would enable him or her to see that each piece logically fits together. Perception is inherently limiting, especially when science strives to be all-knowing.

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