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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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.
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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External links
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) 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.
Abstract: 
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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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).
History:
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.
Contact:
Collaborations:
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.
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. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2760.1128] (PDF)
Abstract: Cognitive modeling is a complex endeavor so it is not surprising that the goals and intentions of modelers are often misunderstood, even by other modelers. To try to clarify this we have attempted to map out the various philosophical and theoretical commitments that one makes when creating a cognitive model or architecture. The goal of this is to avoid misunderstandings between the adherents of different modeling systems and between cognitive modelers and the rest of the scientific community.
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West, R. L., & Leibovitz, D. P. (2012). Understanding each other: Defining a conceptual space for cognitive modeling. Poster presented at the 34th annual meeting of the Cognitive Science Society (CogSci 2012). Sapporo, Japan.
Abstract: Cognitive modeling is a complex endeavor so it is not surprising that the goals and intentions of modelers are often misunderstood, even by other modelers. To try to clarify this we have attempted to map out the various philosophical and theoretical commitments that one makes when creating a cognitive model or architecture. The goal of this is to avoid misunderstandings between the adherents of different modeling systems and between cognitive modelers and the rest of the scientific community.
Links:
Leibovitz, D. P. (2012) Modelling visual processing via emergence. Invited talk presented at the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour and Cognitive Science (CSBBCS) in the Computational understanding of Cognition Symposium. pp. 1-43, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.5141.9368]
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.
Links:
See also:
Leibovitz, D. P. (2012) Emergence of epistemic phenomena. Poster presented at the Institute of Cognitive Science Spring Conference (ICSSC) of Carleton University, pp. 1-12. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.4649.3920] (PDF)
Abstract: Q: Are you using the correct level of analysis?
We claim that for the unique requirements of cognition
Our claims originate from our unified process model of visual filling-in. We noticed that while the model explains all the phenomena, none of them actually existed. The epistemic phenomena arise from oversimplified and implicit folk-theories. Epistemic phenomena emerge from lack of knowledge, from lack of a Systems level theory.
We show the results – the visual demonstration for a variety of “phenomena”. Your task:
Show me the macro level stimuli, measurement or phenomena!
It is only by getting rid of the macro level of analysis that one can hope to uncover a (micro) systems level and begin to causally unify explanations for cognition.
Links:
Leibovitz, D. P., & West, R. L. (2012) Cognitive Re-Use via Emergic Networks. Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Cognitive Modeling (ICCM 2012) (pp. 72-73). Berlin, Germany. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3562.9282 (paper);10.1037/e557102013-021 (PsycEXTRA)] (pdf)
Abstract: In this paper we introduce a new cognitive modeling system called Emergic Networks. The Emergic Network system is designed to facilitate functional, nonlinear decomposition with the aim of understanding how different neural systems can interact to produce specific instances of cognitive functionality. The first part of the paper briefly describes the motivation for the system and the second part briefly describes the system and provides a web location for downloading.
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Leibovitz, D. P. (2011) Emergence in the Mind’s Eye. Talk presented for the ICS Colloquium series at Carleton University, pp. 1-46, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.1842.6088]
Abstract: A cognitive model of visual processing will be presented. Two cognitive functions will interact to produce many visual phenomena in the mind’s eye. Then again, emergence itself is an illusion…
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Leibovitz, D. P. (2011) Local Measure Reliability vs. Global Concept Validity. Has Cognitive Science Moved Beyond Behaviourism? (Insignificant Progress in Validating Cognitive Constructs p<.05). Poster presented at the Institute of Cognitive Science Spring Conference (ICSSC) of Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2792.8801]
Abstract: Every cognitive experiment contributes to the factual accumulation of raw, stimulus-response behavioural data. The raw data are factual/indisputable in that 95+% scientists understand and can reproduce the operationalized procedure and measures despite validity and interpretation concerns. Nevertheless, there has been zero factual accumulation of cognitive constructs and interpretations as there is no 95+% agreement nor comprehension in the sea of hypotheticals. Indeed, the signal to noise ratio worsens (entropy increases) with every experiment as new micro-theories are created, rather than a scientific reduction (convergence) to unity.
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Leibovitz, D. P. (2011) Vision, Spiders & Time. Talk presented at Carleton University, pp. 1-34, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.4201.9047]
Abstract: Ho
w is vision perception related to imagination and planning? What is the role of attention (saccades)? Can smart spiders shed light on human cognition?
Leibovitz, D. P. (2011) Philosophy Behind the Cognitive Modelling of Virtual Eyeballs. Talk presented at Carleton University, pp. 1-50, Ottawa, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.4103.6003]
Abstract: David will demonstrate a virtual eyeball intended to model the Lilac Chaser illusion. In particular, he will talk about the philosophy behind his Emergic Approach to cognitive modelling. Topics may include:
David’s intent is to demonstrate that philosophic considerations can positively influence theory construction. We are all influenced by philosophy – do we want to take charge of our path?
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Leibovitz, D. P. (2010) Emergic Approach: Philosophy Applied to Cognition. Talk presented to Complex Adaptive Systems Group at Carleton University, pp. 1-36, Ottawa, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.1613.2329] (pdf)
Abstract: 
Prologue, Research Problems, Answers, Philosophy & Metaphors, Hypotheses, Solution: Emergic Approach, Lilac Chaser Illusion, Lilac Chaser Model, Discussion.
Links:
@academia.eduLeibovitz, D. P. (2010) Changeons & Predictons. Talk presented to the Complex Adaptive Systems Group at Carleton University, pp. 1-7, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3972.5281]
Abstract: Taylor Series expansion leads to Newton’s Method of Divided Differences used in Babbage’s Difference Engine. However, errors accumulate beyond region of expansion. My recurrence relation does not have this problem.
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Leibovitz, D. P. (2010) Lilac Chaser Illusion and Virtual Eyeballs. Talk presented at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. [doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2268.5923]
Abstract: David Leibovitz will give a live demo of his research-in-progress and discuss the nature of his research and future plans. David will demonstrate a framework, whereby a Virtual Eye is looking at the Lilac Chaser visual illusion. Currently, the implementation has a minimal cognitive component, a set of photoreceptors for the fovea, and saccadic jitter for the eye.
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