Papers by Mark Ashton Smith
This paper presents the Trident G Theory, a novel theoretical framework for understanding human i... more This paper presents the Trident G Theory, a novel theoretical framework for understanding human intelligence. The theory takes a systems-level approach. It draws on principles of brain criticality, the Free Energy Principle, self-organisation and allostasis to explain how the brain achieves an optimal balance for information processing and adaptive behaviour.
The brain's near-criticality allows for flexible, efficient information processing and enables rapid adaptation to changing environmental demands. Key concepts include metastability, where multiple cognitive states can co-exist, and the Free Energy Principle, which frames the brain's drive to minimise uncertainty and prediction error.
The Trident G theory uniquely defines intelligence across two axes: processing/inference (vertical) and free energy (horizontal). The vertical axis represents the metastable balance between 'top-down' executive control and 'bottom-up' creative exploration. The horizontal axis reflects cognitive resilience across a spectrum of free energy and arousal, governed by dopaminergic tone. The brain's allostatic capacity to maintain criticality along both axes is hypothesized to define a dynamic range of general adaptive intelligence (G).
The theory offers a novel perspective on the neural basis of intelligence, potentially informing the understanding of cognitive disorders and guiding the development of interventions aimed at enhancing cognitive function and resilience across the lifespan.
Psychological, Cognitive and Neuroscientific Perspectives
Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 1994
Drafts by Mark Ashton Smith
The paper offers a comprehensive approach to understanding the neural mechanisms underpinning gen... more The paper offers a comprehensive approach to understanding the neural mechanisms underpinning general intelligence (g) and its cognitive neuroscientific basis. The model integrates Free Energy principles and Brain Criticality within the context of human cognition, suggesting a balance between predictable and novel cognitive processing for optimal functioning. It highlights the role of metacognition and mindfulness in enhancing cognitive control and flexibility, proposing a multi-layered neural architecture that supports both crystallized (Gc) and fluid (Gf) aspects of intelligence. The document explores various cognitive processing modes—ranging from reflective thinking to associative memory, goal-directed action, and creative ideation—and hypothesies that intelligence thrives at the intersection of these processes, mediated by the brain's ability to transition between different states of criticality. By incorporating concepts like vector coding and network neuroscience, the model offers insights into the intricate connections that form the basis of cognitive capabilities and proposes potential interventions to enhance cognitive function. The Trident G model thus stands as a theoretical foundation for a deeper understanding of the cognitive processes that underlie intelligence and provides a framework for developing targeted cognitive training programs.
A theoretical model that conceptualizes the multidimensionality of reality and the human brain's ... more A theoretical model that conceptualizes the multidimensionality of reality and the human brain's interaction with it through Free Energy and Brain Criticality principles. It posits that enhancing cognitive training to promote far transfer involves the development of perceptiveness and cognitive flexibility. These are fostered through navigating the balance between certainty and uncertainty, expectation and actual outcomes, and complexity and simplicity. The paper outlines criticality axes that represent states ranging from optimal cognitive functioning to resting states, as well as modes that shift from 'edge of chaos' dynamic engagement to self-organized criticality, essential for adapting to fluctuating cognitive demands. The grounding in ontological dimensions incorporates the spectrum from objective, measurable reality to subjective experiences, and from private, independent identity to public, relational contexts. This framework provides a comprehensive strategy for cognitive training with the potential to refine intelligence and cognitive processes in a manner that is deeply grounded in the brain's innate mechanisms for interpreting and responding to the world.
Brain criticality & near criticality: This is a network state in which the brain operates in a cr... more Brain criticality & near criticality: This is a network state in which the brain operates in a critical/ near critical region between order and chaos-a balanced state space that optimises dynamic range of information processing and capacity of integrated information. Brain criticality promotes both stability and flexibility over multiple time scales, dimensions and hierarchical levels, enabling both robust information storage and sensitive responsiveness to new inputs. This state is thought to be optimal for cognitive functions, learning, and adaptation. John Beggs and Dietmar Plenz have significantly contributed to applying the concept of criticality to brain function.
FEP+ Model of g, 2023
The FEP+ Model of general intelligence introduces several innovative elements that go beyond the ... more The FEP+ Model of general intelligence introduces several innovative elements that go beyond the scope of the classical Free Energy Principle (FEP). These advances provide a more comprehensive, complex and dynamic framework for understanding intelligent cognition, adaptation, and decision-making in complex environments. The FEP+ is built on research in psychometric intelligence, cognitive neuroscience and network theory, information theory, thermodynamics and the extended evolutionary synthesis (ESS).
The FEP+ is a foundational theory for developing cognitive interventions to augment intelligence for normal and neurodivergent populations.
A Unified Framework for Intelligence Based On The Free Energy Principle, 2019
These notes first outline the basic conceptual principles behind Karl Friston' Free Energy Prin... more These notes first outline the basic conceptual principles behind Karl Friston' Free Energy Principle (along with Active Inference and Hierarchical Predictive Coding) and then outline the implementation of the FEP in the g CODE Theory for general intelligence.
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Papers by Mark Ashton Smith
The brain's near-criticality allows for flexible, efficient information processing and enables rapid adaptation to changing environmental demands. Key concepts include metastability, where multiple cognitive states can co-exist, and the Free Energy Principle, which frames the brain's drive to minimise uncertainty and prediction error.
The Trident G theory uniquely defines intelligence across two axes: processing/inference (vertical) and free energy (horizontal). The vertical axis represents the metastable balance between 'top-down' executive control and 'bottom-up' creative exploration. The horizontal axis reflects cognitive resilience across a spectrum of free energy and arousal, governed by dopaminergic tone. The brain's allostatic capacity to maintain criticality along both axes is hypothesized to define a dynamic range of general adaptive intelligence (G).
The theory offers a novel perspective on the neural basis of intelligence, potentially informing the understanding of cognitive disorders and guiding the development of interventions aimed at enhancing cognitive function and resilience across the lifespan.
Drafts by Mark Ashton Smith
The FEP+ is a foundational theory for developing cognitive interventions to augment intelligence for normal and neurodivergent populations.
The brain's near-criticality allows for flexible, efficient information processing and enables rapid adaptation to changing environmental demands. Key concepts include metastability, where multiple cognitive states can co-exist, and the Free Energy Principle, which frames the brain's drive to minimise uncertainty and prediction error.
The Trident G theory uniquely defines intelligence across two axes: processing/inference (vertical) and free energy (horizontal). The vertical axis represents the metastable balance between 'top-down' executive control and 'bottom-up' creative exploration. The horizontal axis reflects cognitive resilience across a spectrum of free energy and arousal, governed by dopaminergic tone. The brain's allostatic capacity to maintain criticality along both axes is hypothesized to define a dynamic range of general adaptive intelligence (G).
The theory offers a novel perspective on the neural basis of intelligence, potentially informing the understanding of cognitive disorders and guiding the development of interventions aimed at enhancing cognitive function and resilience across the lifespan.
The FEP+ is a foundational theory for developing cognitive interventions to augment intelligence for normal and neurodivergent populations.