Neural Dissipative Structures A Non-Quantum Framework for Metastable Cognition

English Description:This paper introduces a new scientific paradigm: Neural Dissipative Structures (NDS). It challenges the traditional "Computational Theory of Mind" by defining cognition not as an algorithmic process, but as a sequence of thermodynamic phase transitions. Grounded in Prigogine’s non-equilibrium thermodynamics and Haken’s synergetics, the NDS framework proposes a strictly macroscopic and non-quantum model of the brain. By integrating Landauer’s Principle, the author posits that cognitive acts—such as "insight"—are physical events characterized by a discrete release of informational heat. The work provides a rigorous path toward falsifiability through the "Insight Calorimetry" protocol, effectively bridging the gap between theoretical physics and cognitive neuroscience. Novelty Statement The Neural Dissipative Structure (NDS) framework introduces a unique synthesis that departs from existing theories in five fundamental ways: Versus Computational Theory of Mind (CTM): While CTM treats cognition as an energy-independent algorithmic process (software), NDS defines it as a physical reconfiguration of a thermodynamic system (dissipative structure). NDS replaces symbolic representation with topological stability in an energy landscape, grounding the "mind" in the laws of non-equilibrium thermodynamics rather than logic. Versus QFT-Dissipative Models (e.g., Vitiello, 2004): Although sharing the "dissipative" terminology, NDS provides a strictly macroscopic non-quantum alternative. It bypasses the unresolved issues of biological decoherence by utilizing synergetic order parameters and macroscopic phase transitions. Unlike Vitiello’s focus on microscopic boson condensation, NDS operates at the level of neuronal population manifolds and metabolic energy gradients. Versus the Free Energy Principle (FEP): FEP provides a normative, high-level logic for how organisms minimize variational free energy. NDS offers the biophysical implementation of this principle. It demonstrates how the brain physically achieves free energy minimization through the stabilization of dissipative attractors and the optimization of entropy production rates. Versus Standard Synergetics: While Haken’s synergetics provides the mathematical tools for phase transitions, NDS specifically couples these dynamics with the Thermodynamics of Information. It establishes a direct link between the "Slaving Principle" of bifurcations and the physical erasure of stochastic information, as defined by Landauer’s Principle. Introduction of "Insight Calorimetry": The most significant novelty of this work is the proposal of a discrete, measurable, and falsifiable thermodynamic marker for cognition. By distinguishing between continuous metabolic heat ( QmetQmet ) and discrete informational heat ( QinfQinf ), NDS moves cognitive science from descriptive modeling to predictive physicalism, offering a "smoking gun" experiment that is absent in all prior frameworks. Keywords: Neural Dissipative Structures, Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics, Synergetics, Metastability, Information Theory, Landauer’s Principle. Italiano Descrizione:Questo lavoro introduce un nuovo paradigma scientifico: le Strutture Dissipative Neurali (NDS). Il framework sfida la tradizionale "Teoria Computazionale della Mente", definendo la cognizione non come un processo algoritmico, ma come una sequenza di transizioni di fase termodinamiche. Basato sulla termodinamica dei sistemi fuori equilibrio di Prigogine e sulla sinergetica di Haken, il modello NDS propone una visione del cervello strettamente macroscopica e non quantistica. Integrando il Principio di Landauer, l'autore postula che gli atti cognitivi — come l'insight — siano eventi fisici caratterizzati da un rilascio discreto di calore informazionale. Il lavoro definisce un percorso rigoroso verso la falsificabilità attraverso il protocollo di "Calorimetria dell'Insight", colmando il divario tra fisica teorica e neuroscienze cognitive. Parole chiave: Strutture Dissipative Neurali, Termodinamica fuori equilibrio, Sinergetica, Metastabilità, Teoria dell'informazione, Principio di Landauer. Spagnolo Descripción:Este trabajo presenta un nuevo paradigma científico: las Estructuras Disipativas Neurales (NDS). El marco desafía la tradicional "Teoría Computacional de la Mente" al definir la cognición no como un proceso algorítmico, sino como una secuencia de transiciones de fase termodinámicas. Basado en la termodinámica de sistemas fuera del equilibrio de Prigogine y la sinergética de Haken, el modelo NDS propone una visión del cerebro estrictamente macroscópica y no cuántica. Al integrar el Principio de Landauer, el autor postula que los actos cognitivos —como la intuición o "insight"— son eventos físicos caracterizados por una liberación discreta de calor informacional. El trabajo establece un camino riguroso hacia la falsabilidad mediante el protocolo de "Calorimetría del Insight", cerrando la brecha entre la física teórica y las neurociencias cognitivas. Palabras clave: Estructuras Disipativas Neurales, Termodinámica fuera del equilibrio, Sinergética, Metaestabilidad, Teoría de la información, Principio de Landauer.