# An Algorithmic Approach to Emergence

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2205.12997 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2205.12997/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 1 of its 41 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 19 May 2022.

## Builds on (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Causality - Complexity - Consistency: Can Space-Time Be Based on Logic and Computation?](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1602.06987/) (2016)

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Interestingness as an Inductive Heuristic for Future Compression Progress](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2605.14831/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

We suggest a quantitative and objective notion of emergence. Our proposal uses algorithmic information theory as a basis for an objective framework in which a bit string encodes observational data. A plurality of drops in the Kolmogorov structure function of such a string is seen as the hallmark of emergence. Our definition offers some theoretical results, in addition to extending the notions of coarse-graining and boundary conditions. Finally, we confront our proposal with applications to dynamical systems and thermodynamics.