Distributed Executive Cognition (DEC): The Human–Exo-dlPFC Co-Cognitive Loop as a Foundation for Cognitive Operating Systems

This paper introduces Distributed Executive Cognition (DEC), a theoretical framework describing how executive-control processes may be functionally distributed across biological and computational systems while executive authority remains uniquely human. Building upon the Extended Mind hypothesis and Distributed Cognition, the paper proposes the Human–Exo-dlPFC Co-Cognitive Loop, in which conversational AI functions as an external executive-support system rather than an autonomous cognitive agent. The framework further introduces Cognitive Operating Systems (CogOS) as a human-centered architecture for persistent human–AI co-cognition. This Version 1.0 presents the foundational conceptual model and outlines future directions for empirical validation and architectural development.