Systemic neuropsychology: toward a contemporary theory of topological functional systems
This article proposes a formalization of psychological functions as Topological Functional Systems, drawing on the historical-cultural tradition and functional systems theory, and integrating them with tools from contemporary topological dynamics. First, it reviews the theoretical foundations that conceive psychological activity as a systemic, dynamic organization oriented toward adaptive outcomes. It then develops a mathematical formalization that accounts for functional invariance under variable modes of execution and network reorganization. On this basis, the article derives clinical implications for neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation, emphasizing functional reorganization rather than localized deficit. Finally, it discusses the scope and limitations of the model in dialogue with current approaches in neuroscience and neuropsychology.
Authors
- Julián Andrés Guiral (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8174-5746)
Institutions
- Instituto de Lengua Literatura y Antropología (ES)
- Universidad EAFIT (CO)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Psychiatry
- Published
- 2026-02-25
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1745418
- Primary Topic
- Functional Brain Connectivity Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00