Leibovitz, D. P. (2018) Emergic Modeling. Lecture first given to the “PSYC 4700B/5700: Cognitive Modeling” class, Carleton University, pp 1-40, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.2.30001.28002] (pdf)
Abstract: Unifying modeling and its philosophizing.
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Closed-form thinking leads to scientism (necessarily), while open-form thinking permits scientific progress. This is a mathematical certainty at a fundamental aspect of language (and meaning), theorizing and philosophizing.
However, it is historically unfortunate that humanity (and our language faculty) prefers, and is inundated by closed-form ideas. Being fundamental, the switch to open-form thinking will have an immense impact throughout academia and beyond, i.e., it affects decisions making everywhere. The open-form thinking project communicates these ideas to everyone aged 12 and up.
The open-form thinking project is similar to the Emergic Approach project. Historically, the Emergic Approach came first and it spawned (and was subsequently informed by) open-form thinking. However, open-form thinking is at the fundamental level of language and how this relates to theorizing (and decision making) power. It also applies beyond academia. The Emergic Approach can be thought of as using open-form thinking for unifying modeling. The Emergic Approach is for a narrow academic audience while open-form thinking is for everyone.
The working title for this forthcoming book (~2017) is tentative.
Feedback is ubiquitous and provides for the emergence of an infinite amount of change and complexity. However, the power to explain change in simple terms requires an open-form language that harnesses feedback, e.g., as used in the “hard science” of Physics. However, the “softer sciences” (and philosophy) continue to apply closed-form thinking – language and meaning that fundamentally disallows feedback – to the problem of change. It is an unfortunate mathematical fact that, at best, closed-form concepts lead to an endless set of local re-descriptions that over time and in hindsight, amount to scientism. Moreover, each closed-form approximation also requires an infinite set of terms to improve local precision. This book highlights the differences between these two epistomologies – languages for theorizing about change – and attempts to harden the soft sciences by converting closed-form thinking to open-form. It amounts to a revolution from the current linguistic turn (which happens to be closed), to an open one.
The “natural” language of continuous change is of a system of interacting open-form expressions that harness feedback. They are epitomized by “dynamics” – the partial differential equations of modern physics – and were critical to overcoming the closed-form limitations of natural language. That, and the search for universal laws, i.e., invariants not relative to local contexts, permitted Physics to become a “hard science“, a unified science.
However, the “softer sciences” (and philosophy) are replete with the closed-form conceptions of natural language. The closed-form problem stems from the dictionary style hierarchically structured definitions of words that does not allow for feedback. These do not have the power to explain change in a unified manner, and can only allow for an endless and infinite variety of local re-descriptions – the hallmark of scientism. Indeed, that is why the search for unification and external validity is given such short thrift in the soft sciences – they are mathematically impossible.
David’s book exposes the linguistic flaw within the soft sciences and philosophy. All the assumptions withing the closed-form linguistic turn are exposed, and this allows the move to the open-form linguistic turn to begin. The hardening of soft sciences demands it. The search for unification can now begin with a firm foundation.
Leibovitz, D. P., West, R. L. & Belanger, M. (2014) WikiSilo: A Self-organizing, Crowd Sourcing System for Interdisciplinary Science. Poster presented at the 36th Annual Conference of the Cognitive Science Society (CogSci 2014), Quebec City, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/2.1.3139.9048] (PDF)
Abstract: WikiSilo is a tool for theorizing across interdisciplinary fields such as Cognitive Science using a specific vocabulary and structure. It is designed to show if a particular cognitive theory is complete and coherent at multiple levels of discourse, and commensurable with and relevant to a wider domain of cognition. WikiSilo is also a minimalist theory and methodology about effectively doing science, and is therefore a form of epistemizing. WikiSilo theory provides for a disciplined exploration of explanatory space via an axiomatic hierarchy of epistemizing and ontologizing postulates. The WikiSilo tool, via a software version control system, supports the long term goal of working toward coherent and unified theories. More generally, WikiSilo facilitates self-organization leading to academic silos with well-defined conceptual frameworks that are vertically related as compared to poorly related ad-hoc academic fiefdoms.
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Leibovitz, D. P., West, R. L. & Belanger, M. (2014) WikiSilo: A Self-organizing, Crowd Sourcing System for Interdisciplinary Science [Abstract]. In P. Bello, M. Guarini, M. McShane, & B. Scassellati (Eds.), Proceedings of the 36th Annual Conference of the Cognitive Science Society (p. 3333). Austin, TX: Cognitive Science Society. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2455.9840]
Abstract: WikiSilo is a tool for theorizing across interdisciplinary fields such as Cognitive Science using a specific vocabulary and structure. It is designed to show if a particular cognitive theory is complete and coherent at multiple levels of discourse, and commensurable with and relevant to a wider domain of cognition. WikiSilo is also a minimalist theory and methodology about effectively doing science, and is therefore a form of epistemizing. WikiSilo theory provides for a disciplined exploration of explanatory space via an axiomatic hierarchy of epistemizing and ontologizing postulates. The WikiSilo tool, via a software version control system, supports the long term goal of working toward coherent and unified theories. More generally, WikiSilo facilitates self-organization leading to academic silos with well-defined conceptual frameworks that are vertically related as compared to poorly related ad-hoc academic fiefdoms.
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Leibovitz, D. P., West, R. L. & Belanger, M. (2014) WikiSilo: A Self-organizing, Crowd Sourcing System for Interdisciplinary Science [Supporting Paper]. Working paper, pp. 1-6. Carleton University. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3359.1529]
Abstract: WikiSilo is a tool for theorizing across interdisciplinary fields such as Cognitive Science, and provides a vocabulary for talking about the problems of doing so. It can be used to demonstrate that a particular cognitive theory is complete and coherent at multiple levels of discourse, and commensurable with and relevant to a wider domain of cognition. WikiSilo is also a minimalist theory and methodology for effectively doing science. WikiSilo is simultaneously similar to and distinct, as well as integrated and separated from Wikipedia™. This paper will introduce the advantages of WikiSilo for use in the Cognitive Sciences. Note that this paper supports (but was not presented) with:
Leibovitz, D. P., West, R. L. & Belanger, M. (2014) WikiSilo: A Self-organizing, Crowd Sourcing System for Interdisciplinary Science. Poster presented at the 36th Annual Conference of the Cognitive Science Society (CogSci 2014), Quebec City, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/2.1.3139.9048]
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WikiSilo theory is a minimalist epistemology that supports a unifying discipline within academia. It is supported by the WikiSilo tool (from wikisilo.org), and Wikimergic is its first client.
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Leibovitz, D. P. (2013) WikiSilo.org – Free tools and content to support a unifying discipline within academia. Wiki software and content accessed November 17, 2013 from http://wikisilo.org/.
Abstract: WikiSilo.org (or simply Wikisilo) distributes free software tools and content that support a unifying discipline within academia. This involves a hierarchy of WikiSilos at ever increasing levels, each acting as a unifying base to their unifying forks.
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Leibovitz, D. P. & West, R. L. (2013) Dendritic+ Processing in an Emergic Network Model of Narrow Slit Viewing. Poster presented to the the 12th International Conference on Cognitive Modeling (ICCM 2013), Ottawa: Carleton University. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2849.2002] (pdf)
Abstract: Accounting for dendritic+ processing facilitates richer neural encoding schemes that can ultimately lead to simpler networks while improving their neurobiological plausibility. Dendritic+ processing is an example of several modeling tradeoffs: how local complexifications can improve global simplicity, and how functional network circuitry can be traded against representational circuitry. This is demonstrated within a model of narrow slit viewing based on an Emergic Network architecture (Leibovitz & West, 2013).
Keywords: Dendritic processing; Emergic Cognitive Model (ECM); Emergic Network (EN); Flowcentric; Neural coding; Representation; Slit Viewing; Unified Modeling.
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Leibovitz, D. P. & West, R. L. (2013) Emergence of Border & Surface Completion (both Spatial and Temporal) in a Flowcentric Model of Narrow Slit Viewing. Invited talk presented to the 12th International Conference on Cognitive Modeling (ICCM 2013), Ottawa: Carleton University. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2169.2647] (PPTX; PDF)
Abstract: In this talk, we describe a 
model of narrow slit viewing that deals with both spatial and temporal completion for borders and surfaces. The model is based on functionality derived from the dynamic interactions of a neural model. We contrast this model with FACADE, which models vision using neural models of modules corresponding to functionality.
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Leibovitz, D. P. & West, R. L. (2013) Emergence of Border & Surface Completion (both Spatial and Temporal) in a Flowcentric Model of Narrow Slit Viewing. In R. West & T. Stewart (eds.), Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Cognitive Modeling (ICCM 2013), (pp. 1-6). [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.1513.9044] (PDF)
Abstract: In this paper, we describe a model of narrow slit viewing that deals with both spatial and temporal completion for borders and surfaces. The model is based on functionality derived from the dynamic interactions of a neural model. We contrast this model with FACADE, which models vision using neural models of modules corresponding to functionality.
Keywords: Border completion; Emergence; Emergic Cognitive Model (ECM); FACADE; Flowcentric; Slit Viewing; Spatial; Surface completion; Temporal; Unified Modeling.
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Leibovitz, D. P. & West, R. L. (2013) Dendritic+ Processing in an Emergic Network Model of Narrow Slit Viewing. In R. West & T. Stewart (eds.), Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Cognitive Modeling (ICCM 2013), pp. 1-6. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3242.4165] (PDF)
Abstract: Accounting for dendritic+ processing facilitates richer neural encoding schemes that can ultimately lead to simpler networks while improving their neurobiological plausibility. Dendritic+ processing is an example of several modeling tradeoffs: how local complexifications can improve global simplicity, and how functional network circuitry can be traded against representational circuitry. This is demonstrated within a model of narrow slit viewing based on an Emergic Network architecture (Leibovitz & West, 2012).
Keywords: Dendritic processing; Emergic Cognitive Model (ECM); Emergic Network (EN); Flowcentric; Neural coding; Representation; Slit Viewing; Unified Modeling.
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Leibovitz, D. P. (2013+) Abnormal Science for Abnormal Perception: A Case for Theoretical Cognitive Science via a Case Study of Narrow Slit Viewing. Working Paper, pp. 1-7. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3731.8889] (PDF)
Abstract: Anorthoscopic perception is good perception under abnormal viewing conditions. One such scenario is when a wider view of the world is perceived than can be sensed at any one time when looking through a narrow slit. Thus, narrow slit viewing and aperture viewing are common nicknames for this phenomenon. Somehow, visual information must be integrated across viewpoints and one fundamental issue is whether this occurs at the finer-grained locus of sensation, or the larger-grained locus of perception. This paper supports a fine-grained sensory model (Leibovitz, 2013a).
The wider view of abnormal perception will also be used as a metaphor to the unified view of theoretical science as compared to the experimental branch. While analyzing, modeling and theorizing are epistemic activities of both branches, their goals and hence nature will differ. This paper will summarize such differences and introduce theoretical cognitive science via a case study. One surprising difference is that abnormal or holistic analysis requires not only greater epistemic breadth, but must also induce finer ontological grains.
An epistemic problem for holistic analysis is in determining the wider scope applicable for the study of a target phenomenon. This is where theory can inform data. In this paper, we use an ontological, fine-grained and unified theory of cognition (Leibovitz, 2013b) to scope out the relevant neurobiological structures and related phenomena that bear on the target phenomenon of anorthoscopic perception.
Finally, this paper constitutes the theoretical analysis of alternative theories and phenomenon in support for our own theory of narrow slit viewing (Leibovitz, 2013a). In essence, we exemplify abnormal science over abnormal perception, i.e., of theoretical cognitive science for anorthoscopic perception.
Keywords: Abnormal philosophy; Abnormal science; Anorthoscopic; Blink; Epistemology; Experimental; Perception; Aperture Viewing; Emergic Cognitive Model (ECM); Emergic Network (EN); Flowcentric; Foveal Tritanopia; Fusion; Integration; Ontology; Neurocentric; Retinal Painting; Retinotopic; Segmentation; Sensation; Slit Viewing; Spatiotopic; Theoretical; Unified Modeling.
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Leibovitz, D. P. (2013) Flowcentric Model of Narrow Slit Viewing in an Irregular Retina with Blind Spots, Eye Motion, Blinks and no Smear: Base Model Changes, Test Details and Test Results. Working Paper, pp. 1-7. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2224.5606] (PDF)
Abstract: A computational model of narrow slit viewing is tested under conditions involving a heterogeneous retina with blind spots, while undergoing eye motion and eye blink. The model demonstrates spatial and temporal forms of filling-in, image stability and lack of smear. At a neural level, the model exemplifies flowcentric behaviour.
The model is based on the Emergic Cognitive Model (ECM) (Leibovitz, 2013a, 2013b). ECM is a unified cognitive model and this paper describe the non-cognitive changes made to support and highlight anorthoscopic behaviour. The model is tested against a simplified stimulus as well as an ecological one in order to demonstrate specific model abilities. Additionally, this paper specifies the testing details and provides the simulation results with minimal interpretation as they are further analyzed by Leibovitz (2013c, 2013d).
Keywords: Anorthoscopic; Blink; Aperture Viewing; Emergic Cognitive Model (ECM); Flowcentric; Foveal Tritanopia; Segmentation; Slit Viewing; Unified Modeling.
Leibovitz, D. P. (2013) Wikimergic: unifying the science of brain and mind according to the Emergic Approach. WikiSilo accessed July 15, 2013 from http://en.wikimergic.org. Accessed September 7, 2015 from http://web.archive.org/web/20130703150953/http://wikimergic.upwize.com/wiki/Main_Page.
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Wikimergic is a WikiSilo. Both are theories, methodologies, frameworks, tools and approaches for collaboratively unifying science. However, a WikiSilo is a minimalist and pure epistemology unconcerned with the nature of reality, while Wikimergic is used for explaining change, behaviour and time. This item publicizes the availability of Wikimergic as a product.
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WikiECM is a 2nd level WikiSilo that houses the Emergic Cognitive Model (or ECM). It sits under Wikimergic, which sits under Wikisilo in the WikiSilo hierarchy. Because WikiECM is a WikiSilo (open to all), it counts as a product (with or without the ECM code).
WikiECM has more detail and examples of use, it adds to the epistemology of ECM. Also, the historizing of alternatives adds impact of ECM.
Wikimergic is derived from the Emergic Approach to unified cognitive modeling. As a product, it forms a wiki and tool that can be used for unifying analysis and synthesis. More importantly, it can demonstrate a coherence of complex distributed conceptions. As a research line of inquiry, one asks how to make the most effective tool for the socializing of unification. David started Wikimergic in 2013.
Wikimergic is a top level WikiSilo, i.e., at level 1. Both are theories, methodologies, frameworks, tools and approaches for collaboratively unifying science. However, a WikiSilo is a minimalist and pure epistemology unconcerned with the nature of reality, while Wikimergic is used for explaining change, behaviour and time based on a fundamental mathematical/linguistic underpinning of open-form thinking.
Wikimergic houses the entire Emergic Approach, while WikiSilo house a compatible but minimalist outgrowth of the Emergic Approach. The root level WikiSilo (named Wikisilo) currently houses only WikiSilo theory, while Wikimergic is a top-level WikiSilo underneath vying for ultimate acceptance.
Wikimergic also houses WikiECM as a 2nd level WikiSilo, as the abstract is always better informed with a concrete model. So currently, Wikimergic has cognitive modeling examples, even though it is directed to unifying all of science in particular, and all decisions making in general (all of academia).
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External links
Leibovitz, D. P. (2013). A Unified Cognitive Model of Visual Filling-In Based on an Emergic Network Architecture. (Order No. NR94549, Carleton University (Canada)). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, pp. xxxii-459. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1437103134?accountid=9894. (1437103134). [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2681.6482] (PDF)
Keywords (ProQuest): Biological sciences; Applied sciences; Psychology; Emergic network architecture; Unified cognitive model; Visual filling-in
Abstract: The Emergic Cognitive Model (ECM) is a unified computational model of visual filling-in based on the Emergic Network architecture. The Emergic Network was designed to help realize systems undergoing continuous change. In this thesis, eight different filling-in phenomena are demonstrated under a regime of continuous eye movement (and under static eye conditions as well). Continue reading
Leibovitz, D. P. (2013). A Unified Cognitive Model of Visual Filling-In Based on an Emergic Network Architecture – Supplement, pp. xv-467. Carleton University. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.4506.4161] (PDF)
Abstract: 
This is supplemental material for the eight cognitive models and forty two tests of a thesis named “A Unified Cognitive Model of Visual Filling-In Based on an Emergic Network Architecture”. This supplement contains detailed information about computational test subjects, stimuli, and results. The thesis contains extracts from the information contained herein. The models and tests are listed in the same order as in the thesis and with the same chapter/appendix identifiers. Continue reading
Congratulations to David Pierre Leibovitz, Sarra Ghazel and Tabish Ismail on their successful thesis defenses last week.
On Thursday January 10th, 2013, David Pierre Leibovitz successfully defended his Ph.D. thesis entitled A Unified Cognitive Model of Visual Filling-In. The Chair for his Defense was Dr. Pauline Rankin. His External Examiner was Dr. Gary Cottrell from the University of California, San Diego and his Internal/External Examiner was Dr. Craig Leth Steenson. The members of David’s Committee were Dr. Robert West, Dr. Andre Vellino and Dr. Robert Biddle.
On Friday January 11th, 2013, Sarra Ghazel successfully defended her Ph.D. thesis entitled Cognitive Architectures in Morphological Processing: Acquistion and Attrition. The Chair for her Defense was Dr. Michel Gaulin. Her External Examiner was Dr. Monika Schmid, University of Groningen, The Netherlands and her Internal External Examiner was Dr. Carmen Leblanc. The members of Sarra’s committee were Dr. Laura Sabourin, Dr. Lefevre , Dr John Logan and Dr. Kumiko Murasugi.
On Friday January 11, 2013, Tabish Ismail successfully defended his M.Cog.Sc. thesis entitled Truth in Science. The Chair for his defense was Dr. Deepthi Kamawar. His Internal/External examiner was Dr. David Matheson. The members of Tabish’s committee were Dr. Raj Singh, Dr Robert West and Dr. Eros Corazza. We also wanted to congratulate Tabish as he now officially a Ph.D. Student within the Institute of Cognitive Science!
Congratulations once again to all of you!
Copied from original positing at
http://carleton.ca/ics/2013/successful-thesis-defenses-well-done/
In 2013, David was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Cognitive Science at Carleton University.
In January, he defended a thesis titled “A Unified Cognitive Model of Visual Filling-In Based on an Emergic Network Architecture“. His degree was conferred in May.
His thesis supervisor was Robert L. West.
External Links:
Leibovitz, D. P. (2013) A Unified Cognitive Model of Visual Filling-In Based on an Emergic Network Architecture [Thesis Defense Presentation], pp. 1-28. Carleton University. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2603.5687] (pdf)
Abstract: Presented at the defense for a thesis titled “A Unified Cognitive Model of Visual Filling-In Based on an Emergic Network Architecture“.
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Leibovitz, D. P. (2012) Modelling visual processing via emergence. [Abstracts of the 2012 CSBBCS annual meeting]. Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology, 66(4): 308–308. [abstracts doi: 10.1037/a0029409]
Abstract: A model of low level visual processing is outlined along with a demonstration of the numerous phenomena it unifies. Specifically – filling in, visual memory, image stability, color homogeneity, blind spot, temporal edge detection, eye blink – phenomena that would ordinarily be investigated under different sub fields and with disparate models. The model is based on the interaction between recurrence and eye motion. The model is built using the Emergic Network system, which is a new cognitive modeling system created for this project and others like it. Emergic Networks facilitate the exploration of how recurrent and distributed functions produce functional emergent effects. I will present an overview of the Emergic Network System and the simulation results for each phenomena it models.
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Dr. Robert L. West is associate professor in charge of the Carleton Cognitive Modeling Lab (CCM). He is cross-appointed to both the Psychology Department and the Institute of Cognitive Science at Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Joint Publications:
Leibovitz, D. P. & West, R. L. (2013) (Full 6 page paper). Emergence of Border & Surface Completion (both Spatial and Temporal) in a Flowcentric Model of Narrow Slit Viewing. In R. West & T. Stewart (eds.), Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Cognitive Modeling (ICCM 2013), Ottawa: Carleton University.
Leibovitz, D. P. & West, R. L. (2013) (Full 6 page paper). Dendritic+ Processing in an Emergic Network Model of Narrow Slit Viewing. In R. West & T. Stewart (eds.), Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Cognitive Modeling (ICCM 2013), Ottawa: Carleton University.
Leibovitz, D. P. & West, R. L. (2013) Emergence of Border & Surface Completion (both Spatial and Temporal) in a Flowcentric Model of Narrow Slit Viewing. 12th International Conference on Cognitive Modeling (ICCM 2013), Ottawa: Carleton University. Invited Talk.
Leibovitz, D. P. & West, R. L. (2013) Dendritic+ Processing in an Emergic Network Model of Narrow Slit Viewing. 12th International Conference on Cognitive Modeling (ICCM 2013), Ottawa: Carleton University. Poster Presentation.
West, R. L., & Leibovitz, D. P. (2012). Understanding each other: Defining a conceptual space for cognitive modeling. 34th annual meeting of the Cognitive Science Society (CogSci 2012) (pp. 2535-2539). Sapporo, Japan.
West, R. L., & Leibovitz, D. P. (2012). Understanding each other: Defining a conceptual space for cognitive modeling. 34th annual meeting of the Cognitive Science Society (CogSci 2012). Sapporo, Japan. Poster Presentation.
Leibovitz, D. P., & West, R. L. (2012). Cognitive Re-Use via Emergic Networks. 11th International Conference on Cognitive Modeling (ICCM 2012) (pp. 72-73). Berlin, Germany.
Leibovitz, D. P., & West, R. L. (2012). Cognitive Re-Use via Emergic Networks. 11th International Conference on Cognitive Modeling (ICCM 2012). Berlin, Germany. Poster Presentation.
Leibovitz, D. P. (2012) A Unified Cognitive Model of Visual Filling-In Based on an Emergic Network Architecture – Animated Test Results. Retrieved September 7, 2015 from http://emergic.upwize.com/?page_id=26.
Abstract: Animated results for the cognitive models within a thesis named “A Unified Cognitive Model of Visual Filling-In Based on an Emergic Network Architecture“.
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