Intent can be defined as a choice of specific actions within a larger domain of physical phase space. We consider the amazing success of reductionistic bottom-up mathematical laws and see if we can locate a departure point for goal-driven action in physical systems. We consider as an example the case of irreversible free expansion and inject intent in form of Maxwell's Demon. This provides a thermodynamic trail with implications suggestive of the computational nature of intent. We will focus on what constitutes a conduit for such computations and attempt to isolate emergent mechanisms in artificial intelligence systems, bridging with biological analogies. Lastly, we find the intersection of quantum and classical paradigms to be the subject of intense interest as regards the origins of volition.
Robert Groess