Theoretical framework reveals that cognitive neural states depend on dynamical accessibility of future states, suggesting identical present configurations can yield divergent computational paths.
Noetic Diffusion Theory (NDT) proposes that neural states relevant to cognition and consciousness are characterized not only by present configuration, but by the structured distribution of futures available from that configuration. This property is dynamical accessibility: a control-dependent stochastic law over how activity tends to move, how fluctuations spread, which destinations remain open, and how the system responds to perturbation. Drift, diffusion geometry, local reactivity, short-horizon predictive spread, basin commitment, and finite-amplitude resilience are non-equivalent. Reduced coordinates need not be sufficient statistics for future dynamics; matched present states can have different future laws. Measurement charts are operational interfaces, not the theory. Three bounded empirical anchors (spindles, coma, DANDI 000458) constrain layers.
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Robin Langell (2026) studied this question.
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