Open peer commentary on the article “Foresight Rather than Hindsight? Future State Maximization As a Computational Interpretation of Heinz von Foerster’s Ethical Imperative” by Hannes Hornischer, Simon Plakolb, Georg Jäger & Manfred Füllsack. Abstract: As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to have a fundamental impact in our world and lives, a crucial need arises for integrating ethical and constructivist principles in the design of AI systems, and related computational thinking. We discuss aspects and examples of ethical and constructivist design of AI in the context of the target article, and especially in the domains of future-oriented ethical design and computing education.

Open peer commentary on the article “Foresight Rather than Hindsight? Future State Maximization As a Computational Interpretation of Heinz von Foerster’s Ethical Imperative” by Hannes Hornischer, Simon Plakolb, Georg Jäger & Manfred Füllsack. Abstract: I review von Foerster’s (bio)computational approach to cognition in relation to foresight and hindsight, and to his Ethical Imperative. For him, ethics must remain implicit and becomes manifest through metaphysics and dialogics. Only under this condition can the relevance of Future State Maximization for the system that is modelled be established. Relation between FSX and Ethical Imperative

Open peer commentary on the article “Foresight Rather than Hindsight? Future State Maximization As a Computational Interpretation of Heinz von Foerster’s Ethical Imperative” by Hannes Hornischer, Simon Plakolb, Georg Jäger & Manfred Füllsack. Abstract: We formulate a critique of the Future State Maximization (FSX) umbrella term and its connection to von Foerster’s Ethical Imperative by considering the relationship between Empowerment and other principles that the target article relates under the same heading. We furthermore draw on the wide body of existing Empowerment research to substantiate but also contradict some of the claims made.

Open peer commentary on the article “Foresight Rather than Hindsight? Future State Maximization As a Computational Interpretation of Heinz von Foerster’s Ethical Imperative” by Hannes Hornischer, Simon Plakolb, Georg Jäger & Manfred Füllsack. Abstract: I point out that Future State Maximization (FSX) as introduced in the target article can take place on several different levels within the same system. Furthermore, the fact that the space in which choices are maximized can differ from the space in which agents are moving gives rise to the generality of FSX, which allows for its widespread application. I shall discuss this for the task of organizing a society in case of a pandemic and for the development of physical theories.

Abstract: In the commentaries, a number of intriguing projections of Future State Maximization (FSX) on a multitude of different systems are suggested, which raised the need to clarify certain definitions. We discuss several core terms and concepts within the context of FSX and address the compatibility of FSX and Heinz von Foerster’s Ethical Imperative.

Context: Many AI and machine-learning techniques are primarily focused on past-to-future extrapolations of statistical regularities in large amounts of data. We introduce a method that builds on an in-action sampling of probes from possible futures with preference for those that prove promising for maximizing the perceivable space of possibilities. This foresight-oriented (rather than hindsight-oriented) method is particularly promising for handling non-linear or abruptly emerging developments. Problem: What von Foerster called the Ethical Imperative seems less strictly derived from physical principles than other well-known concepts in his work. Regarding investigations in recent AI research, however, it appears that the Ethical Imperative corresponds almost literally to the so-called principle of Future State Maximization, a principle that lately has been applied successfully to a range of coordination and learning tasks. Method: We discuss the principle of Future State Maximization, as previewed by von Foerster, against a background of a general need for tackling uncertain futures by way of modeling, and introduce three computational investigations on different coordination tasks based on Future State Maximization. Results: We show that the principle of Future State Maximization corresponds to von Foerster’s Ethical Imperative and to constructivist principles, and that it lends itself to opening up interesting new horizons for AI research. Implications: The article suggests an interpretation of how von Foerster’s Ethical Imperative can be understood as a foresight- rather than hindsight-oriented method against a background of computer-based modeling and AI research. Furthermore, it shows that computer-based methods conform well with the epistemology of constructivism.

Key words: Agent-based modeling, coordination and learning tasks, Ethical Imperative, Future State Maximization, Heinz von Foerster

Open peer commentary on the article “Foresight Rather than Hindsight? Future State Maximization As a Computational Interpretation of Heinz von Foerster’s Ethical Imperative” by Hannes Hornischer, Simon Plakolb, Georg Jäger & Manfred Füllsack. Abstract: The target article outlines a Future-State-Maximization (FSX) approach whose focus on “rewarding” actions that lead to increased action possibilities serves as an alternative to standard value-based learning approaches. In my commentary, I discuss how internal states might shape future action possibilities. Specifically, the notion of allostasis is discussed in relation to how physiological (internal variable) regulation may enable or constrain future action spaces.

Open peer commentary on the article “Foresight Rather than Hindsight? Future State Maximization As a Computational Interpretation of Heinz von Foerster’s Ethical Imperative” by Hannes Hornischer, Simon Plakolb, Georg Jäger & Manfred Füllsack. Abstract: Future state maximisation (FSX) offers a clear departure from both fixed reactive systems and systems that learn models based on reactive experience. In this commentary, I argue that FSX is not replacing these previous ideas but that, rather, the interplay with FSX and the older concepts create a powerful hybrid.

Open peer commentary on the article “Foresight Rather than Hindsight? Future State Maximization As a Computational Interpretation of Heinz von Foerster’s Ethical Imperative” by Hannes Hornischer, Simon Plakolb, Georg Jäger & Manfred Füllsack. Abstract: While we agree with Hornischer et al. that there is an apparent similarity between the Future State Maximization principle and von Foerster’s Ethical Imperative, we suggest that the former can be seen as a computational overlap with the latter rather than its computational interpretation. Further, we reflect on the connection between these two concepts and the theory of robust control.