Circular Causation, Circular Cognition: A Tour Around Some Common Confusions

Area of Science:

• Systems theory
• Cognitive science
• Dynamical systems

Background:

• Life and cognition are complex circular dynamical processes.
• Human understanding of circular causation is often limited, leading to confusions.
• Distinguishing local and global system features is crucial for analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify common confusions related to circular causation.
• To analyze the mechanisms and principles behind circular causal explanations.
• To explore the predictive power of circular explanations for stable phenomena.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of case studies illustrating confusions in circular causation.
• Conceptual analysis distinguishing local and global system descriptors.
• Examination of principles of normal settlement in causal explanations.

Main Results:

• Circular causation explanations, while not addressing origins, possess predictive power.
• Proper distinction between system features aids in understanding circular dynamics.
• Principles of normal settlement underpin effective circular causal explanations.

Conclusions:

• Circular causation is fundamental to life and cognition but difficult to grasp.
• Distinguishing system features is key to resolving confusions in circular causation.
• Circular explanations are valuable for predicting persisting phenomena.