StructuralCognition Theory:Emotional Dynamics and the Recursive Generation of Thought

Abstract

This paper proposes the Structural Cognition Framework, an initiative to redefine human thought not as a static computational process, but as a dynamic, self-organizing dynamical system driven by the interaction between emotion and cognitive capacity. In cognitive science and artificial intelligence, fluctuations in human judgment and emotional conflicts have long been treated as "noise" or "biases to be corrected." This framework completely abandons that stance, redefining these fluctuations as necessary structural asymmetries and fundamental energy for system evolution. Core Mechanisms of the Theory: The proposed theory formalizes the following three mechanisms into a single recursive closed-loop system: Emotional Wave Dynamics (EWSM): The emotional waveform E(t) induced by external stimuli dynamically modulates the "cognitive bandwidth B(t)," which represents the effective capacity for information processing. Bandwidth-Modulated Thought Generation (Softmax): By operating B(t) as an inverse temperature parameter, the system models seamless state transitions—from broad, stochastic exploration in calm states to extreme fixation (freeze) on a single node during panic states. Structural Update (CEEM): The co-activation history of thought rewrites the coupling weights of conceptual network edges, permanently embedding biases into future thought trajectories. Applications and Paradigm Shift: By extending this foundational model, this paper physically decodes individual "regret" as an internal intent purification process, formulates interpersonal friction as "Bandwidth Lockout," and frames mutual understanding as the emergence of a "Shared Subgraph." Ultimately, this framework provides a novel interface to bridge societal divides and offers a foundational blueprint for next-generation AI architectures capable of true resonance with human experience.