Quantum structure of negation and conjunction in human thought

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Science
• Quantum Cognition
• Psychology

Background:

• Understanding conceptual combinations is key to cognitive science.
• Existing models struggle to explain deviations in human concept conjunction and negation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interplay between conceptual conjunction and negation.
• To test a novel quantum-theoretic framework for concept combination.

Main Methods:

• Membership weights of exemplars were measured for concepts, their conjunctions, and negated conjunctions.
• Data was analyzed for deviations from classical (fuzzy set) logic and probability theory.
• A quantum-theoretic framework (two-sector Fock space model) was applied.

Main Results:

• Systematic deviations from classical logic were observed in conceptual combinations.
• The quantum-theoretic framework accurately predicted conceptual negation.
• A novel deviation from classicality was identified, explained by a superposition of emergent and logical reasoning.

Conclusions:

• Human concept combination deviates from classical logic and probability.
• A quantum-theoretic framework provides a robust model for conceptual negation and combination.
• Human reasoning may involve a superposition of emergent and logical processes.