Quantum Models of Cognition and Decision - Softcover

Busemeyer, Jerome R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1107419883 ISBN 13: 9781107419889

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2014

Synopsis

Much of our understanding of human thinking is based on probabilistic models. This innovative book by Jerome R. Busemeyer and Peter D. Bruza argues that, actually, the underlying mathematical structures from quantum theory provide a much better account of human thinking than traditional models. They introduce the foundations for modeling probabilistic-dynamic systems using two aspects of quantum theory. The first, 'contextuality', is a way to understand interference effects found with inferences and decisions under conditions of uncertainty. The second, 'quantum entanglement', allows cognitive phenomena to be modeled in non-reductionist ways. Employing these principles drawn from quantum theory allows us to view human cognition and decision in a totally new light. Introducing the basic principles in an easy-to-follow way, this book does not assume a physics background or a quantum brain and comes complete with a tutorial and fully worked-out applications in important areas of cognition and decision.

About this title

Review:

'Mathematical models of cognition so often seem like mere formal exercises. Quantum theory is a rare exception. Without sacrificing formal rigor, it captures deep insights about the workings of the mind with elegant simplicity. This book promises to revolutionize the way we think about thinking.' Steven Sloman, Brown University, Rhode Island

'This book is about why and how formal structures of quantum theory are essential for psychology - a breakthrough resolving long-standing problems and suggesting novel routes for future research, convincingly presented by two main experts in the field.' Harald Atmanspacher, Institut fuer Grenzgebiete der Psychologie und Psychohygiene e.V.

'This is the first book putting forward the main scientific results of an intriguing and promising new research domain called 'quantum cognition'. In this emergent field, the mathematical structure of quantum theory is employed to model essential aspects of human cognition impossible to be modelled properly within classical approaches. The authors are both engaged intensively in quantum cognition and [have written] a high-quality and well-understandable treatise showing how this new approach carries the potential of a real breakthrough, with deep implications for how cognition will be looked upon in the decades to come. The approach may also signify a thorough new opening to the old problem of artificial intelligence and the structuring of semantics.' Diederik Aerts, Brussels Free University

Book Description:

Much of our understanding of human thinking is based on probabilistic models. By using principles drawn from quantum theory to provide the foundations for modeling probabilistic-dynamic systems, the authors open a new frontier for modeling cognitive phenomena and human decision making.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1107419883
• ISBN 13: 9781107419889
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 424