<p>Numerous behavioral and decision-making theories have
been proposed within various branches of physiology, psychology, and social
sciences. However, few authors have studied the <i>origin</i> of behavior. It has been suggested that human behavior can
be described as an algorithm, defining an action-execution process through a
sequence of steps and feedback mechanisms. Given this premise, origins of human
behavior are comparatively assessed to other forms of nature; to facilitate
this comparison, algorithms were developed to sequence the functionality of inanimate
matter (i.e. motionless or inoperative matter) and animate life (i.e. living
organisms). Subsequently, the three developed algorithms – for matter, life, and
mind – allowed to identify both their common and unique features, as well as to
follow the evolutionary flow between the physical, biological, and
psychological dimensions of nature. We postulate that algorithms of behavior of
physical objects, biological organisms, and human beings are not standalone
constructs but phases of the evolutionary process. Furthermore, in this
evolutionary <a>process, </a>algorithms are continuously
adjusted and enhanced through the addition of new steps and feedback
mechanisms. The underlying commonality for these changes in behavior is rising
prominence of future-orientation of actions, e.g., when an organism increasingly
caters for its future well-being, rather than solely enhancing its transient
state. This transformation takes place through shifts from immediate and
predetermined reactions, to longer-term orientated and variable responses.
Throughout this process, functional algorithms of higher complexity do not invalidate
predecessors, but on the contrary, incorporate and build on them. The presented
theory offers an explanation on how, and to what extent, operational algorithms
are shared between various forms of nature. It also considers possible future directions
for evolutionary development.</p>
On the Evolution of the Biological Framework for Insight
