A Constraint-Based Theory of Memory, Archetype, and Psychosis A Multiscale Model Integrating Epigenetics, Predictive Processing, and Symbolic Cognition
Abstract This paper proposes a unified, non-mystical framework for understanding memory, archetypes, and certain psychotic phenomena as emergent products of constraint-based learning mechanisms operating across multiple temporal scales. We argue that biological, psychological, and epigenetic constraints—shaped by both individual experience and ancestral environments—serve as structural scaffolding for subjective visualization, narrative formation, and symbolic cognition. Archetypes and motifs are reconceptualized not as inherited symbols or metaphysical entities, but as low-resolution experiential renderings of high-stability constraints. In conditions such as schizophrenia, increased access to deep constraint layers coupled with impaired contextual interpretation may produce experiences subjectively resembling “past lives” or ancestral memory, without implying literal temporal identity transfer. This framework integrates predictive processing, epigenetics, trauma research, and phenomenology, offering new avenues for ethical clinical interpretation and therapeutic design. ** If you enjoy my mad scientist-like work, please consider checking out some of my books on Amazon. This ensures that I do not, in fact, become homeless in my pursuit of scientific contributions. I'm NOT paid for this. Thank you! **
Authors
- Nickolas Patrick Joseph Schoff
Institutions
- Southern New Hampshire University (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Published
- 2026-01-02
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18132175
- Primary Topic
- Embodied and Extended Cognition
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00