# A Dialogue Concerning the Essence and Role of Information in the World System
## 2 The Dialogue
In this particular case, a constant value of AP = 1 is used, and \(k_{fb}\) varies from 0.1 to 1.0 in decrements of 0.1, resulting in 10 curves generated at 10 time-steps. Note that the color-coding in the two small images on the right side is used to show how the calculation of \(e/AP\) is performed. The curves in the graph show the versatility of the reflex-action depending on the value of \(k_{fb}\). The curve for a value of \(k_{fb}=1.0\) envelops all the other curves as it oscillates between the values of 0 and 1 over time, implying continuous triggering of the reflex-action. All successive curves show an oscillatory reduction over time. For example, the curve for \(k_{fb}=0.1\) after reaching a peak of 1.0 at time interval 1 has a tendency to be stable around a value of 0.9 after a time interval of 2. Referring again to Figure 2 (inset in Figure 3), note that an On/Off trigger switch is present. This trigger switch will remain On for _difference/error/information_, \(e\), values above a certain _reference value_, but it will remain Off below that same _reference value_. Looking at Figure 3, if an arbitrary trigger _reference value_ is set to the value \(e=0.85\), the reflex-action will trigger once for all values of \(k_{fb}\), but it  
Figure 3: The effect of decreasing \(k_{fb}\) in the generation of richer dynamical behaviors. will trigger four additional times for the value \(k_{fb}=1.0\), one additional time for a value of \(k_{fb}=0.9\), and it will remain triggered continuously for a value of \(k_{fb}=0.1\). Note that this _reference value_, as well as the value of \(k_{fb}\), are both fully defined by the organism in question, depending on many factors, including those mentioned above. To summarize, the above description gives the context of info-autopoiesis as it relates to phylogenetically derived reflex-actions in the context of the definition of Bateson information: _a difference which makes a difference_. This definition of information implies a quantitative portion (a difference) and a qualitative portion (a difference which makes a difference) [48]. The quantitative portion is the difference/error/information \(e=AP-ek_{fb}\) that is evaluated by the _Comparator_ that results in the movement of an organism appendage due to the reflex-action; the qualitative portion is the homeorhetic dynamic of the organism. For example, if the feeling of hunger by an individual recurs, the act of eating restores the homeorhetic dynamic as the organism goes about its cognitive business. In short, here is a four-step conceptualization of how this feedback simulation of the organism consisting of a one-parameter _Sensor_ and _Comparator_ works:  
1. A comparator is set to a reference parameter, which is defined by \(ek_{fb}\);
2. The _sensor_ (one of the main senses) distinguishes the value of the _detected parameter_;
3. The comparator obtains the difference/error between the detected parameter and the reference parameter;
4. The detected _difference/error_ is the _information_ needed to either allow or not allow the actuation of a reflex-action. **M**: You described an interesting example of information production, but it only shows that information is created/produced from something that already exists and functions. **J**: This example is related to how a living being functions in the realm of info-autopoiesis or the self-production of information. And you are right, this is \"an interesting example of information production but it only shows that information is created/produced from something that already exists and functions\". In this case, that'something' that already functions and exists is a living being. Furthermore, that'something' is the only thing that can create information either directly or indirectly. This is the significance of info-autopoiesis. Now, I will answer your sixth question of whether only living beings contain/store information or if other natural and/or artificial systems can also contain/store information. Additionally, what does it mean to store difference?