The Complexity of Human Thought

Is an introductory chapter which introduces the reader to the purpose of human thinking and how the concepts of complexity science establish order and predictability in an everchanging complex human environment.

Chapter 2 Diversity and Complexity

Illustrates how as diversity in our universe increased over time, it created complexity and ultimately the organization and complex neurology of the human brain. Through interactions with the energy inputs of the exterior environment, cognition, a complex adaptive system, organized and formed the representations of the exterior environment necessary for human functioning and survival.

Chapter 3 Cognitive Models

Discusses how cognitive models emerge to form the internal representations which coordinate the release of energy congruent with demands of our exterior environment. These cognitive models organize the many and ever changing parts of that environment to prevent an overload of environmental variables and cognitive chaos.

Chapter 4 How Cognitive Models Form

Illustrates how cognitive models form naturally and unconsciously by association. Such associations are like complexity attractors in that relevant associations are maintained whereas nonfunctional associations are discarded. Cognitive models are constantly changing over time as the exterior environment changes and this naturally occurring process is illustrated through examples.

Chapter 5 Human Development and Cognitive Models

Traces the development from the limited cognitive models of infancy to the mature models of adults. It details the discrete cognitive processes through which overload and confusion slowly evolve into stable and intellectually abstract cognitive models.

Chapter 6 The Structure of Complex Cognitive Models

Demonstrates the 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