Toward a formal theory of embodied cognition

Information theory and control theory can model embodied cognition without requiring time-reversal symmetry. An iterated Morse function provides a 'higher entropy' analog that follows Onsager-like nonequilibrium thermodynamics, but because palindromes are unlikely, reciprocal relations do not hold. Group symmetry-breaking in physical phase transitions appears as groupoids linked to high-probability developmental paths. The formalism yields the Yerkes-Dodson inverted-U relation and stochastic dynamics, and suggests a canonical approach to consciousness. Context is central to real-world cognition, contrary to Western cultural emphasis on individual salience over context.

Study at a glance

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.