Attention is typically described as the cognitive mechanism that selects particular stimuli for processing while filtering out competing signals. This paper interprets attention within the Paton System framework as a stability mechanism that regulates the admissible distribution of cognitive resources. Attention stabilises perception and cognition by maintaining focus on structurally relevant signals while preventing overload from excessive informational input. Within the Paton System architecture, attention operates as a constraint-regulated filter that ensures cognitive processes remain within admissible structural limits. When attentional stability fails, cognitive systems may experience distraction, overload, or fragmentation. All cognitive systems operate under structural limits including processing capacity, memory bandwidth, and temporal responsiveness. Attention regulates the distribution of cognitive resources within these boundaries, maintaining coherence between perception, cognition, and action even in environments of high informational complexity. Under structural strain, attentional processes compress toward a minimal viable configuration corresponding to the Lowest Admissible Configuration (LCD). The system preserves focus on structurally relevant signals while discarding lower-priority inputs. By interpreting attention as an admissibility-regulated stability mechanism, the Paton System clarifies how cognitive systems maintain coherent operation under informational constraint.
Andrew John Paton (Mon,) studied this question.