[Paper Review] Unresolvable human mental states based on a parallel universe theory

Changsoo Shin, Wansoo Ha+2 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|Aug 18, 2014

Cognitive Science and Education Research20 references3 citations

TL;DR

This paper proposes a mathematical model of human mental states using a multi-dimensional advection equation derived from a parallel universe theory, suggesting that mental states are fundamentally unresolvable due to an infinite number of possible solutions. The model explains cognitive phenomena like memory and forgetting through time-derivative dynamics of the function, demonstrating individual variability in thought under identical conditions.

ABSTRACT

We show that human mental states are unresolvable by suggesting a mathematical function that describes human mental states in relation to parallel universe theory. The function is a solution to a multi-dimensional advection equation; representing a situation a person is faced with, and its time-derivative showing the mental state in that situation. This function has interesting characteristics that explain why each person has different thoughts in a particular situation. Because the multi-dimensional advection equation has an infinite number of solutions, we can use them to represent an infinite number of mental states. We focus on the basic concepts of the model and explain the function using extremely simple cases. We also use the functions to explain remembering and forgetting.

Motivation & Objective

• To propose a theoretical framework for human mental states based on parallel universe theory.
• To explain why mental states are inherently unresolvable due to the infinite solution space of a multi-dimensional advection equation.
• To model individual differences in thought processes under identical situational conditions.
• To apply the model to explain cognitive processes such as remembering and forgetting.
• To establish a quantitative link between mental dynamics and mathematical physics via advection equations.

Proposed method

• Formulate a multi-dimensional advection equation to represent a person's situation and mental state evolution.
• Define the mental state as the time-derivative of a solution to the advection equation.
• Use the infinite solution space of the advection equation to represent an infinite number of possible mental states.
• Apply the function to simple, illustrative cases to demonstrate variability in thought under identical conditions.
• Model memory and forgetting as dynamic changes in the solution function over time.
• Use the function's behavior to explain why mental states are unresolvable and context-dependent.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 Can human mental states be modeled as solutions to a multi-dimensional advection equation?
• RQ2 Why are human mental states fundamentally unresolvable despite deterministic dynamics?
• RQ3 How does the infinite solution space of the advection equation account for individual differences in thought?
• RQ4 In what way do the time-derivative dynamics of the function explain memory and forgetting?
• RQ5 How does the parallel universe theory provide a conceptual basis for mental state diversity?

Key findings

• The multi-dimensional advection equation admits an infinite number of solutions, enabling representation of an infinite variety of human mental states.
• The time-derivative of the solution function corresponds to the evolving mental state in a given situation.
• Individual differences in thought arise naturally from distinct solutions to the same equation under identical conditions.
• The model explains remembering and forgetting as transitions in the solution function over time.
• The framework mathematically justifies the unresolvability of mental states due to the non-uniqueness of solutions.
• The theory provides a quantitative, physics-inspired model for cognitive dynamics in neurons and cognition.