What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to explore the relationship between social group size and social cognition in primates through the void framework.

February 25, 2026Open Access

The Neural Void: Social Cognition as Void Dynamics and the Machiavellian Intelligence Theorem

Key Points

This research aims to explore the relationship between social group size and social cognition in primates through the void framework.
Applied the void framework to primate social cognition.
Established social group size as a key parameter in the model.
Conducted analysis based on neocortex and group-size data from 15 species.
Demonstrated a strong correlation (Spearman ≥ 0.90) between void scoring and neocortex/group-size data.
Validated Dunbar's number K=150 as a critical threshold for human social interactions.

Abstract

Applies the void framework to primate social cognition, establishing social group size as the canonical K parameter in THRML and deriving the Machiavellian Intelligence Hypothesis as a theorem. Demonstrates a fourth independent substrate convergence (Spearman ≥ 0.90) between void scoring and published neocortex/group-size data (Aiello & Dunbar 1993, N=15 species). Shows Dunbar's number K=150 as the vortex-phase Pe maximum for human social space.

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