Mark A. Bedau

Mark A. Bedau is a Professor in the Philosophy Department at Reed College, with significant contributions to the fields of artificial life, emergence, and the philosophy of biology. His interdisciplinary work bridges philosophy, biology, and computer science, focusing on dynamical emergent processes and the nature of life.

• Reed College, Philosophy Department (current primary affiliation)
• Co-Founder, European Center for Living Technology (ECLT)
• Partner, EU-funded Programmable Artificial Cell Evolution (PACE) program
• Visiting Professor, Ph.D. Program in Life Sciences: Foundations and Ethics, European School of Molecular Medicine

Professor Bedau's research interests center on artificial life, emergence, evolutionary dynamics, and the philosophical questions surrounding the definition and creation of life. His work spans theoretical investigations of weak emergence, the evolution of complexity, and the social and ethical implications of creating artificial life forms (protocells). He has made significant contributions to understanding how complex behaviors emerge from simple rules and how evolutionary processes can be measured and visualized, with particular focus on evolutionary activity statistics and the dynamics of adaptive systems.

His recent publications (2007-2008) show a strong concentration on protocells, with numerous articles and edited volumes addressing both the scientific and ethical dimensions of creating life from scratch. These works demonstrate his leadership in interdisciplinary research that connects philosophical rigor with cutting-edge biological and computational science, particularly in the EU-funded PACE program and through the European Center for Living Technology which he co-founded.

Scientific Recognition

While specific awards aren't listed in the provided information, Professor Bedau's extensive publication record in prestigious venues, his role as co-founder of the European Center for Living Technology, and his participation in EU-funded research programs indicate significant recognition in his field.

• Co-Founder of the European Center for Living Technology (ECLT)
• Partner in the EU-funded Programmable Artificial Cell Evolution (PACE) program
• Co-organizer of the Eleventh International Conference on the Simulation and Synthesis of Living Systems (Artificial Life XI)

Professor Bedau has advised numerous senior thesis students at Reed College across philosophy, biology, and interdisciplinary fields. His students have explored topics ranging from the ethical implications of creating life from scratch to the computational aspects of emergence and evolution. His research is supported by international collaborations and funding, particularly through European Union programs focused on artificial life and protocell research, reflecting the global significance of his work.

Though not a traditional laboratory setting (given his philosophy department affiliation), Professor Bedau's research group engages in interdisciplinary work that combines philosophical analysis with computational modeling and collaboration with biologists. His work with the European Center for Living Technology represents a significant institutional framework for this research, connecting academic philosophy with practical scientific investigation into the nature of life.