Extending Dynamical Systems Theory to Model Embodied Cognition

Abstract

We define a mathematical formalism based on the concept of an ''open dynamical system'' and show how it can be used to model embodied cognition. This formalism extends classical dynamical systems theory by distinguishing a ''total system'' (which models an agent in an environment) and an ''agent system'' (which models an agent by itself), and it includes tools for analyzing the collections of overlapping paths that occur in an embedded agent's state space. To illustrate the way this formalism can be applied, several neural network models are embedded in a simple model environment. Such phenomena as masking, perceptual ambiguity, and priming are then observed. We also use this formalism to reinterpret examples from the embodiment literature, arguing that it provides for a more thorough analysis of the relevant phenomena.

Information Processing and Dynamics in Minimally Cognitive Agents

“…The importance of externally driven dynamics in cognitive science has also been emphasized by Spivey (2007) and, most recently, by Hotton and Yoshimi (2011), and the study of such nonautonomous dynamical systems is an active area of research within DST (Barreira & Valls, 2008;P€ otzsche, 2010;Rasmussen, 2007). There are many very good reasons for this.…”

The structure of sensorimotor explanation

“…Dynamical system theory (DST) is based on the notion of "dynamical system:" a mathematical description of how things change with time (Hotton & Yoshimi 2011). Such systems take the form of models that are expressed by means of differential equations:…”

“…Nothing in these remarks amounts to a rejection of the orthodoxy, as advocated by defenders of the dynamical hypothesis and the SMT, but rather its extension. More recently, Hotton & Yoshimi (2011) have adopted DST to model embodied cognition with the concept of open dynamical system in a way that makes it compatible with the orthodoxy rather than in opposition to it.…”

Using Emergence Theory-Based Curriculum to Teach Compromise Skills to Students with Autistic Spectrum Disorders

“…Similar to synergy, emergence theorists have stated that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, as well as more complex, dynamic, and structured. According to emergence theory, the most complex structures and patterns develop from the self-organization of simple processes (Hotton & Yoshimi, 2011). Emergence theory is present in the fields of psychology, physics, economics, and evolution.…”