New Perspectives on Cybernetics pp 77-94 | Cite as
Non-Rational Cognitive Processes as Changes of Distinctions
Abstract
Rational cognitive processes are defined as processes constrained by an external system of rules. This constraint is represented by the conservation of distinctions, where a distinction is conceived as an element of cognitive structuration. Four classes of distinctions (patterns, states, rules and values) and four classes of distinction processes (conservation, destruction, creation and creation-and-destruction of distinctions) are defined. The resulting 4x4 grid is used to classify cognitive processes. This allows the modelling of ‘non-rational’ phenomena, such as creativity, emotions, mystical experiences, etc., in a relatively simple way, as incompletely distinction conserving processes.
Keywords
Cognitive Process Cognitive System Cognitive Structure State Distinction External SystemPreview
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