A Literature Review of the Universal and Atomic Elements of Complex Cognition

Abstract

This paper posits that universal atomic elements exist that underlie complex cognition. At its core, constructs are born of the dynamics of thinking operating on information. This elemental understanding of the structural underpinnings - and the dynamics between and among the elements - provides insight into the value of thinking and awareness of one’s thinking to everyday life and scientific inquiry. Knowledge of the structural and dynamical properties of human thought leads to generative, purposeful, and predictive cognitive acts that evolve one’s thinking. As a result, our mental models (comprised of information and thinking) of how systems work are better aligned with how they exist in the real world. This alignment yields better solutions, innovation and results. Continued inquiry into the universality of these structural elements has significant potential to advance understanding across a wide variety of academic disciplines. In other words, the study of cognition is deemed synonymous with the evolution of science and knowledge itself.