********** 1 of 2 *************** The SEE virtual research institute (Semiosis. Evolution. Energy) http://www.library.utoronto.ca/see is setting up the second SEE conference at the University of Toronto, for October 5, 6, 7, 8, of 2001. Themes will include the exploration of semiosic, evolutionary, and development processes within biology, within physics and chemistry (with a particular focus on symmetry and asymmetry and self-organization), within robotics and computers (the generation of knowledge) and within socioeconomic networks. See the web site for further details. ********* 2 of 2 ************* Genes and Information II October 7, Research School of the Social Sciences, Canberra In 1999, the Philosophy Program, Research School of The Social Sciences hosted a one-day workshop on the genes and information. For the idea that an organism's genotype constitute a program or information store that specifies the phenotype of that individual is very widely endorsed. But it is an idea that has proved very difficult to sustain. It is difficult to define a notion of information that vindicates the idea that of the development resources needed to produce an organism only the genes carry information about that organism. In the June 2000 issue of Philosophy of Science, John Maynard Smith has published his attempt to crack this problem, together with his response to commentaries on that paper. On October 7, 2000 the Philosophy program will be hosting a second workshop, with Maynard Smith's work as one of the central foci. Maynard Smith himself will be at the workshop and will present his ideas. Other participants will be: Russell Gray (Psychology, Auckland); Kim Sterelny (Philosophy, ANU & Victoria University of Wellington); David Penny (Evolutionary Biology, Massey); Steve Downes (Philosophy, Utah); Rachel Ankeny (HPS, Sydney). As in 1999, there will be no registration fee. But space at the workshop is limited. The idea is to have a fairly small and intimate group. So if you would like to come, please e-mail me, Kim Sterelny, at [log in to unmask], or [log in to unmask] Kim Sterelny Philosophy Program RSSS, ANU and Philosophy Department Victoria University Wellington ANU Contact Information hard mail Philosophy Program Research School of the Social Sciences Australian National University 0200 Canberra, ACT, Australia e-mail [log in to unmask] [log in to unmask] phone 61- (0)2 6249-2886 messages: Di Crosse: Administrator, Philosophy Program 61 (0)2 6249 2341 fax 61- (0)2 6249 3294