Morality as a Bioenergetic Filter: A Thermodynamic and Evolutionary Ethology Hypothesis on the Residue Model of Depression

Abstract: This study proposes a novel theoretical framework that analyzes morality and depression through the lens of the First Law of Thermodynamics (ΔU = Q - W). The hypothesis, termed the "Bioenergetic Filter Model," posits that morality is a biological survival algorithm developed for efficient energy management and social conflict minimization. Within this framework, metabolic energy produced by the organism must either be converted into constructive "work" (behavior) through a biological moral filter or, if suppressed, dissipate as "depressive residue." The paper integrates the "Free Energy Principle" and evolutionary ethology to explain morality as an energy-saving strategy. Furthermore, it provides a methodological basis for empirical testing using infrared thermography and fMRI to observe thermal dissipation and glucose consumption during moral suppression. The model concludes that depression serves as a thermodynamic safety protocol, acting as a "slow release" mechanism to prevent systemic collapse due to accumulated, unexpended energy.