Opinion Particles: Classical Physics and Opinion Dynamics

TL;DR

This paper introduces a continuous-time opinion particle model inspired by Bayesian inference, linking opinion dynamics to classical mechanics and exploring potential applications to general relativity.

Contribution

It extends the CODA opinion dynamics model to continuous time, deriving a physics-like framework for opinion movement based solely on inference principles.

Findings

Derived a continuous-time opinion particle model from Bayesian inference.

Established a relationship between opinion dynamics and Newtonian mechanics.

Illustrated the model with a harmonic oscillator example.

Abstract

A model for Opinion Particles, based on Bayesian-inspired models of Opinion Dynamics such as the CODA model is presented. By extending the discrete time characteristic of those models to continuous time, a theory for the movement of opinion particles is obtained, based only on inference ideas. This will allow inertia to be obtained as a consequence of an extended CODA model. For the general case, we will see that the likelihoods are associated with variables such as velocity and acceleration of the particles. Newtonian forces are easily defined and the relationship between a force and the equivalent likelihood provided. The case of the harmonic oscillator is solved as an example, to illustrate clearly the relationship between Opinion Particles and Mechanics. Finally, possible paths to apply these results to General Relativity are debated.