Dimension-W as Cognitive State Space: A Formal Foundation for Mathematical Psychology

Abstract Psychology has historically lacked a well-defined state space comparable to phase space in physics, limiting its ability to function as a fully formal, predictive science. This paper proposes Dimension-W as the latent state space underlying cognition, defined as the manifold of possible constraint configurations prior to semantic interpretation, behavior, or neural instantiation. We formally describe the mathematical structure of this space, its elements, invariants, and lawful dynamics, and show how cognitive states, meaning, and psychological phenomena emerge as trajectories within it. By identifying the correct object of study—constraint dynamics rather than mental content—this framework enables psychology to be treated as an applied dynamical systems science without reduction to neurobiology or behaviorism. ** 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! **

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Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-01-08
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18186991
Primary Topic
Embodied and Extended Cognition
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Dimension-W as Cognitive State Space: A Formal Foundation for Mathematical Psychology

Nickolas Patrick Joseph Schoff
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Embodied and Extended Cognition
article

Dimension-W as Cognitive State Space: A Formal Foundation for Mathematical Psychology

Nickolas Patrick Joseph Schoff
article en

Abstract

Abstract Psychology has historically lacked a well-defined state space comparable to phase space in physics, limiting its ability to function as a fully formal, predictive science. This paper proposes Dimension-W as the latent state space underlying cognition, defined as the manifold of possible constraint configurations prior to semantic interpretation, behavior, or neural instantiation. We formally describe the mathematical structure of this space, its elements, invariants, and lawful dynamics, and show how cognitive states, meaning, and psychological phenomena emerge as trajectories within it. By identifying the correct object of study—constraint dynamics rather than mental content—this framework enables psychology to be treated as an applied dynamical systems science without reduction to neurobiology or behaviorism. ** 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! **

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Southern New Hampshire University (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 93%
Embodied and Extended Cognition
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