<p>Is the universe a gigantic computer? In his visionary publication “The P-Principle”, physicist and artist Herbert W. Franke had already put forward the thesis of a programmed cosmos in 1995. According to this theory, a fundamental code governs the interplay of order and chaos, causing evolution to unfold inexorably and with ever-increasing complexity. Franke combines automata theory, quantum physics, and chaos theory into a cohesive framework and uses cellular automata as an aesthetic tool for experiments with both deterministic and indeterministic world models. Thus, he reveals how the laws of nature and random processes interlock in a “programmed” universe. This work is a milestone in the philosophy of nature, published by a trailblazing pioneer of algorithmic naturalism at the intersection of science, philosophy, and art.</p>
<ul>
<li>Natural laws and random processes in a “programmed” universe</li>
<li>Cellular automata as an aesthetic tool for modelling the world</li>
<li>Herbert W. Franke as a trailblazing pioneer of algorithmic naturalism at the intersection of science, philosophy, and art</li>
</ul>

Computerkunst; digitale Kunst; Metaphysik; Kulturwissenschaften

computer art; digital art; metaphysics; cultural studies

Order and Chaos in Computational Space - Ordnung und Chaos im rechnenden Raum

The P-Principle - Das P-Prinzip

<p>Herbert W. Franke (1927–2022), who held a doctorate in physics, was a key pioneer of computer art as well as being a visionary science-fiction author. As a scientist, he built bridges between theoretical physics, cybernetics, and art, also in pursuit of a rational understanding of human creativity.</p>

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The P-Principle - Das P-Prinzip

Order and Chaos in Computational Space - Ordnung und Chaos im rechnenden Raum

Herbert W. Franke
Edited by: Susanne Päch

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The P-Principle - Das P-Prinzip

Order and Chaos in Computational Space - Ordnung und Chaos im rechnenden Raum

Herbert W. FrankeEdited by: Susanne Päch

Related titles

Would you like to receive monthly information about new publications and events?

Deutscher Kunstverlag

Genthiner Straße 13

10785 Berlin

+49 (0)30 / 27 90 76 - 0

Marsstr. 26

80335 München

Contact us for book orders

Order cancellation

© 2026 Deutscher Kunstverlag

Herbert W. Franke
Edited by: Susanne Päch