Multi-Cognitive Regime Architecture (MCRA)
Open MIND January 1, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.17605/osf.io/6v4nj via OpenAlex
Summary
The Multi-Cognitive Regime Architecture (MCRA) V5 reconceptualizes the mind as a dynamic runtime system rather than a static module structure. It defines seven cognitive regimes—integrative, homeostatic, social-norm, logical-reasoning, adaptive-neural, affective-anchoring, and perceptual-encoding memory—each a distinct runtime configuration of the same neural hardware. Hebb's Rule serves as the meta-rule: all cognitive structures are shaped by experience through the same plasticity mechanism. The framework provides unified mechanistic explanations across dreaming, Dissociative Identity Disorder, major depression, and LLM hallucinations. It generates independent, operational falsifiability conditions for all seven regimes, advancing the theory from a philosophical proposal to a testable scientific hypothesis.
Study at a glance
| Design | theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | The mind is reconceptualized as a dynamic runtime system with seven cognitive regimes, each a distinct runtime configuration of the same neural hardware, unified by Hebb's Rule and generating falsifiable predictions. |
Abstract
This project presents the Multi-Cognitive Regime Architecture (MCRA) , the fifth major iteration (V5) of a theoretical framework that began as the "Hexa-Self Model." V5 marks a fundamental paradigm shift: the EGO is no longer defined as a central integrative module, but as the Integrative Cognitive Regime (ICR) —the system's runtime sequence and communication protocol itself. The framework reconceptualizes the mind as a dynamic runtime system, not a static module structure. It defines seven cognitive regimes—ICR (runtime governance), HCR (homeostatic drives), SNCR (social norms), LRCR (logical reasoning), APCR (adaptive neural pathways), AACR (affective anchoring), and PEICR (perceptual-encoding memory)—each representing a distinct runtime configuration of the same neural hardware. A derived regime (DCCR) accounts for deliberately trained second-personhood phenomena (Tulpa). Hebb's Rule serves as the meta-rule unifying all regimes: all cognitive structures are shaped by experience through the same fundamental plasticity mechanism. V5 provides unified mechanistic explanations across dreaming, Dissociative Identity Disorder, major depression, and LLM hallucinations. Crucially, it generates independent, operational falsifiability conditions for all seven regimes (Chapter 3), advancing the theory from a philosophical proposal to a testable scientific hypothesis—one that can be empirically confirmed or falsified. This repository contains the V5 complete treatise (Chinese only at present; English translation forthcoming), serving as a timestamped, citable foundation. The V4 historical version ("Hexa-Self Model") is also available in this repository for reference. Critiques, collaboration on experimental design, and efforts towards empirical testing are warmly welcomed.