Interaction, evolution, and intelligence

Evolutionary computation (EC) and intelligence are closely related. Adaptability can be considered an indispensable aspect of intelligence; in turn, interaction of an agent with its environment is necessary for adaptation. Interaction is fundamental to EC at multiple levels, and an interactive viewpoint enhances our understanding of EC principles. Interaction is based on a stream-based rather than string-based view of computation, modeled mathematically by coinduction and coalgebras. It forces us to rethink some fundamental assumptions of computer science. The challenge of building intelligent systems can be better met by accepting a paradigm shift from traditional algorithmic models of computation toward interaction, with all its implications.