An Architecture of the Mind : A Psychological Foundation for the Science of Everyday Life

This book proposes a mathematical model of the psychological process which is integrated, holistic and systematic. Psycho-behavioural phenomena in this model do not remain disconnected and isolated, but rather exist within and in relation to the psychological process as a whole. The book proceeds logico-mathematically from premise to conclusion in a journey through the realm of psyche, making use of the mathematics of networks to represent and analyse the structure, function and evolution of the mind. Explaining and predicting a huge range of psycho-behavioural phenomena within the rubric of one model, this book has major implications for our understanding of mind, behaviour and self.

An Architecture of the Mind proposes a mathematically logical and rigorous theory of lived experience, and a comprehensive and coherent theory of psychology. It is also remarkably simple. Building on the core proposition that the mind is a network structure, it proposes a theory of the psychological process as operating within and upon that structure, and a theory of behaviour as determined by that process.

The theory presents a view of the mind which reveals a new perspective on the process of reasoning in thinking and how it may coexist with processes more akin to simple rule-following and computation. It allows us to understand the role and influence of social influences in the psychological process by revealing their role in and influence on mental networks. It reveals the place of motivations in the psyche as complexes in mental networks from whence aesthetics, preference and value judgements arise and demonstrates their necessity for behaviour. This book is especially useful for the perspective it offers on behavioural change. It reveals the conditions under which traditional economic theories of incentives will be appropriate, and the conditions under which they will not be.

This book draws on psychology, social science, cultural science, neuroscience and economics to offer an interdisciplinary contribution which resists the tendency for disciplines to become over-specialised and fragmented. It will be of interest to any interested in the functioning of the human mind and the government of human behaviour.