CPSCI 307-01: Evolutionary Computation

Exam Questions

Be prepared to write an essay on each of the following questions.

1. In “Computer Science as Empirical Inquiry”, Newell and Simon characterize computer science as an experimental discipline. Explain what they mean by this. As part of your answer, compare and contrast computer science with at least one of the traditional experimental sciences. Conclude your essay by stating whether on your view, computer science is better viewed as an empirical science or as a pure science (like mathematics), and justify your position.
2. Evaluate Newell & Simon's Physical Symbol System Hypothesis. As part of your answer, explain what a PSS is, and state the hypothesis clearly. (By ‘evaluate’, I mean to both explain what the hypothesis means, and to take a position on whether you believe it to be true or not, justifying your position.)
3. Outline the scientific method that Darwin is employing in the Origin.
4. In the Origin of Species, Darwin aims to establish two hypotheses:
   1. The evolution of species has occurred.
   2. Natural selection is the major cause of evolution.

   Explain his argument for (a). Then say whether the argument satisfies you or not, justifying your position.

5. Outline and evaluate Darwin's argument for (b). Be sure to state clearly what ‘natural selection’ is as part of your answer. Then say whether the argument satisfies you or not, justifying your position.
6. An important aspect of Darwin's theory is the inheritance of characteristics, yet Darwin does not explain how heredity works. Is the lack of a mechanism for heredity a problem for Darwin's argument in the Origin? Why or why not?
7. Characterizing Darwin's position as ‘survival of the fittest’ is correct in some ways and incorrect in others. Explain.
8. The lack of transitional forms is a problem for Darwin in two ways:
   1. we only seem to find examples of species in the geological record, and
   2. we only seem to find examples of species when we look at existing beings.

   Explain how Darwin tries to get around these problems. Then say whether his explanation satisfies you or not, justifying your position.

9. Before reading Darwin, we discussed Karl Popper's idea of falsifiability being an important feature of any scientific statement. Now that you've read the Origin and seen how Darwin answers all criticisms to his theory, assess whether Darwin's thesis of the origin of species by means of natural selection is falsifiable. As part of your answer, give a specific description of evidence that would show Darwin's thesis to be false. (Also be sure to explain Popper's notion falsifiability as part of your answer.)
10. Explain what you see as the biggest problem with Darwin's theory in the Origin. In your opinion, is this problem resolvable in Darwin's favor, or do you see it as a major objection to his theory? Be sure to justify your position.

In preparing for the exam, you may discuss these questions with your classmates. The exam itself, however, is closed-book and closed-notes, and you are expected to write your answers entirely on your own.

You will be asked to write on a subset of the above questions, though you will not know which until you open the exam envelope. You will be asked to respond to four questions.

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