Navier–Stokes Motifs as a Structural Hypothesis Space for Mental Dynamics

Abstract This paper proposes a structural hypothesis space for characterizing psychological activity as a continuous, evolving, and open dynamic system. Drawing on the formal vocabulary of Navier–Stokes fluid dynamics, it outlines mid-level dynamic motifs—such as dissipation, redistribution, coupling, and transition—not as mechanistic analogues, but as potential forms of mental change. The framework is intentionally non-explanatory; it is not a theory of mind, nor does it assume physical equivalence with fluid dynamics. Instead, it aims to clarify what kinds of trajectories, reorganizations, and cross-field interactions may be empirically investigable within psychology. The usefulness of this scaffold depends on future interdisciplinary work capable of testing whether the proposed dynamic forms hold explanatory or predictive value across diverse datasets, timescales, and measurement tools. Note Minor textual correction (title formatting in section 5.1). Figures, supplementary materials, and implementation notes will be released in OSF.