Toward a formal theory of embodied cognition
Biosyst. January 30, 2021 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2021.104356 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
This theoretical paper argues that information theory, control theory, and nonequilibrium thermodynamics can model embodied cognition. It uses the Source Coding, Rate Distortion, and Data Rate Theorems to construct a 'higher entropy' analog constrained by Onsager gradient dynamics, but notes that because palindromes are unlikely, time reversal symmetry is absent, so Onsager reciprocal relations do not hold. Group symmetry-breaking in physical phase transitions emerges through groupoids linked to high-probability developmental paths. The formalism yields the Yerkes-Dodson inverted-U relation and a canonical approach to consciousness, emphasizing that context is central to real-world cognition, contrary to Western cultural focus on individual salience.
Study at a glance
| Design | theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Information and control theory combined with nonequilibrium thermodynamics can model embodied cognition, producing the Yerkes-Dodson inverted-U relation and a canonical consciousness model, while contextual factors are central to real-world cognition. |
Abstract
Since the reduction of uncertainty associated with cognition necessarily implies existence of a 'dual' information source, the Source Coding and Rate Distortion Theorems of information theory, in combination with the Data Rate Theorem of control theory, are sufficient to model much of embodied cognition. An iterated Morse Function 'free energy' allows construction of a 'higher entropy' analog constrained to obey the approximate dynamics of the Onsager gradient model of nonequilibrium thermodynamics. However, since palindromes are unlikely, there is no time reversal symmetry and hence no Onsager reciprocal relations. The group symmetry-breaking associated with physical phase transitions then emerges in terms of groupoids associated with equivalence classes of high probability developmental paths. The formalism is agnostic regarding representation and the Yerkes-Dodson inverted-U relation emerges directly, as do stochastic versions of the underlying dynamics, and a canonical approach to an embodied consciousness model. Contrary to the Western cultural fixation with individual salience at the expense of context, for cognition against and in the real world, context is often central, rather than simply being a screen against which some culturally-specific cartoon is supposed to play.