Metacognitive particles, mental action and the sense of agency

TL;DR

This paper models metacognition using statistical physics and Bayesian mechanics, introducing 'metacognitive particles' to explain the emergence of the sense of agency and self-awareness.

Contribution

It formalizes metacognitive beliefs within a physics-inspired framework and distinguishes passive and active particles to elucidate mental actions and agency.

Findings

Metacognitive beliefs can be modeled as particles in a physical system.

Active particles capable of mental actions are crucial for the sense of agency.

The framework supports a mathematical understanding of cognition and self-awareness.

Abstract

This paper articulates metacognition using the language of statistical physics and Bayesian mechanics. Metacognitive beliefs, defined as beliefs about beliefs, find a natural description within this formalism, which allows us to define the dynamics of 'metacognitive particles', i.e., systems possessing metacognitive beliefs. We further unpack this typology of metacognitive systems by distinguishing passive and active metacognitive particles, where active particles are endowed with the capacity for mental actions that update the parameters of other beliefs. We provide arguments for the necessity of this architecture in the emergence of a subjective sense of agency and the experience of being separate from the environment. The motivation is to pave the way towards a mathematical and physical understanding of cognition -- and higher forms thereof -- furthering the study and formalization of cognitive science in the language of mathematical physics.