The Complexity of Human Thought

flexibility of human thinking through the use of predictive cognitive models. Such models allow learning without actual exposure or contact with the exterior environment and follow a Stimulus--Prediction-Response-- Consequence form of learning which includes a sophisticated understanding of time. Errors in this type of predictive cognitive model are demonstrated by Propagation of Uncertainty Equations.  

Chapter 7 Complexity Principles and Human Thought  

The basic principles of complexity science describe the creation of rules that emerge to organize and simplify cognitive models. This chapter presents examples of how self-organization allows for abstract and interconnected thinking without such thinking falling into chaos and confusion.  

Chapter 8 Constructing Cognitive Stability  

Describes how two principles inherent in our universe allow for the development of cognitive networks. The P concept maintains stability in human thinking and the K concept allows for cognitive change without degenerating into a chaotic state. This chapter also discusses cognitive networks, how cognitive nodes emerge, and how new cognitive variables are integrated into existing cognitive models.  

Chapter 9 Interactions and Cognitive Models  

Analyzes the different ways in which multiple variables connect and interact with one another to create cognitive models that represent our cognitive environment. The chapter contains diagrams to illustrate this process and examples of the Chinese and Western history of bridge building are included  

Chapter 10 Overload, Confusion, and Chaos  

Discusses the concept and definition of cognitive chaos and how this occurs. Humans are inherently programmed to avoid chaos and the methods used to avoid chaos by controlling the rate and number of interactions between cognitive variables are discussed.   

Chapter 11 Correlation, Canalization, and Cognitive Models  

Using the examples of simple and canonical correlation this chapter demonstrates how cognitive variables accrete to form a stable cognitive model that provides a control on overloaded and chaotic thinking. The concept of canalization is introduced to demonstrate how models of thinking become fossilized and resistant to change.   

Chapter 12 Creativity and Complex Scientific Models  

Using the historical development of human flight by the Wright brothers, Otto Lilienthal, and Octave Chanute, as an example, this chapter demonstrates the cognitive reductive principles used in the creative solution of abstract complex problems. Techniques such as identifying identities, sequencing, eliminating interconnections, and understanding the salience of variables, are explained. This chapter has been recognized as having significant pragmatic importance for the solution of complex scientific problems.  

Chapter 13 Understanding Genocides  

Explains the power and influence of clan identity creating erroneous cognitive models that can result in genocides and irrational self-destruction. The emergence of seemingly small errors in interconnections between cognitive variables will produce erroneous cognitive models that self-perpetuate due to the accretion of other errors through flawed interconnections.  

Chapter 14 The Cognitive Models of Genocide  

Illustrates how humans can generate rational explanations and justifications for the most reprehensible behaviors. Unfortunately, many of the same principles in the formation of sound scientific concepts can be misapplied to create cognitive models that support a distorted and erroneous view of the exterior environment. Examples are presented showing the developmental sequence of Nazi genocidal cognitive models.  

Chapter 15 The Complexity of Kindness and Selfishness  

Organized in three sections, this chapter demonstrates the developmental origins of kindness and selfishness and how these develop into constantly changing cognitive models. Examples illustrate the simplicity of kindness models and the complexity of selfishness models. The effects of clan identities are discussed as are the inevitable effects of self-organization on social cognitive models  

Chapter 16 The Interconnected Models of Kindness and Selfishness  

Illustrates the complex interconnection of models of kindness and selfishness and how these are constantly changing. The historical development of money as an emergent phenomenon is discussed as is its profound effect on the interconnections between kindness and selfishness in terms of resource inadequacy.  

Chapter 17 Rational Human Thought  

Demonstrates the process of how rational and valid cognitive models are created. This chapter also illustrates the errors that distort human thinking such as the complexity of human ignorance and the complexity of negating environmental information. Specific examples from medical discoveries and military history are included. The relationship between increasing environmental complexity and increasing differences in human thinking is discussed.  

Chapter 18 Predicting the Future  

Describes the process by which humans can accurately predict our futures. This is an essential human skill and requires a sound understanding of the interconnection between the concepts of past, present, and future. Future cognitive models are human creations that do not exist in reality and are very sensitive to errors. This situation is presented in a graph showing the percent of errors based on time, rate of environmental change, and number of relevant variables. The difficulty of predicting medical diagnoses and outcomes is included as an example.