Intention as a Predictive Force: A Theoretical Integration within the Unified Dynamic Model of the Mind (UDMM)

Abstract: This paper explores the role of intention as a central organizing principle in the Unified Dynamic Model of the Mind (UDMM), a predictive and generative cognitive framework. It proposes that intention, especially in its overarching form (overall intent), acts as a predictive force that shapes internal models, directs attention, and influences the prioritization of possible future scenarios. Distinguishing between behavioral intent and overarching intent, the paper highlights how intention interacts with emotional salience and physical stability to regulate the mind's dynamic processes. The integration of intention into UDMM provides a coherent explanation for meaning-making, attentional guidance, and decision architecture, with implications for cognitive science, psychotherapy, and human-centered AI.