驱散21世纪科学天空两朵乌云，智能体"最小完备”架构可能是关键

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the intersection of artificial intelligence and physics, focusing on the concepts of agents and observers, proposing a unified framework to address the challenges of understanding intelligence and consciousness, as well as the unification of quantum mechanics and general relativity [1][4][6]. Group 1: Challenges in 21st Century Science - The 21st century faces two main challenges: the essence of intelligence and consciousness, and the unification of quantum mechanics and general relativity [4][6]. - These challenges are likened to the "clouds" that once obscured the scientific landscape in the early 20th century, which ultimately led to the development of relativity and quantum mechanics [3][4]. Group 2: Definitions of Agents and Observers - Despite being central concepts in AI and physics, agents and observers lack unified definitions, leading to fragmented understanding across disciplines [7][10]. - Various definitions of agents exist, emphasizing different characteristics such as autonomy, reactivity, and sociality, but they fail to provide a comprehensive picture [9]. - The concept of the observer has evolved through different theoretical frameworks in physics, yet a universally applicable definition remains elusive [10]. Group 3: Open Information Processing Systems - The article posits that both agents and observers can be understood as open information processing systems, a conclusion supported by various foundational theories across disciplines [11][13]. - This perspective aligns with the notion that information is central to physical reality, as articulated by theorists like John Wheeler and Seth Lloyd [13][14]. Group 4: Minimal Complete Architecture of Agents - The article introduces the Minimal Complete Architecture (MCA) of agents, which consists of five fundamental functions: Input, Memory, Generation, Control, and Output [18][29]. - These functions are essential for the operation of any agent, covering the entire lifecycle of information processing [29][30]. - The framework is not merely a theoretical construct but serves as a practical tool for understanding various intelligent phenomena, including learning and decision-making [29][33].