System 0/1/2/3: Quad-process theory for multi-timescale embodied collective cognitive systems

2025-03-08

AI Summary

Dual-process theories inadequately capture multi-timescale embodied collective cognition. Method: We propose a four-tier cognitive framework—Systems 0, 1, 2, and 3—integrating Bergsonian philosophy of time, morphological computation, neurodynamics, and predictive coding. System 0 formalizes sub-second pre-cognitive embodied dynamics; Systems 1 and 2 correspond to fast intuitive and slow deliberative processing; System 3 novelly models collective predictive coding and cross-individual symbolic emergence. Contribution/Results: This framework achieves the first tri-level unified modeling spanning sub-neural activity (milliseconds) to societal evolution (years). It transcends the classical dual-system paradigm by explicitly bridging embodied micro-dynamics, individual cognition, and macro-scale collective intelligence. As the first integrative theoretical foundation for embodied AI, human–machine collaboration, and artificial collective intelligence, it enables principled design of adaptive, scalable, and socially embedded intelligent systems.

Technology Category

• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Adaptive Behavior
• Intelligent Robots: Embodied AI
• Multiagent Systems: Agent/AI Theories and Architectures

Application Category

• Semantics and Knowledge: Data modeling to support human-machine intelligence, including LLMs agents, intelligent system behavior, explanations, and user-friendly interactions
• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Psychology-informed user models and recommender systems
• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Applied ML and AI for Web-based mobile applications

Abstract

This paper introduces the System 0/1/2/3 framework as an extension of dual-process theory, employing a quad-process model of cognition. Expanding upon System 1 (fast, intuitive thinking) and System 2 (slow, deliberative thinking), we incorporate System 0, which represents pre-cognitive embodied processes, and System 3, which encompasses collective intelligence and symbol emergence. We contextualize this model within Bergson's philosophy by adopting multi-scale time theory to unify the diverse temporal dynamics of cognition. System 0 emphasizes morphological computation and passive dynamics, illustrating how physical embodiment enables adaptive behavior without explicit neural processing. Systems 1 and 2 are explained from a constructive perspective, incorporating neurodynamical and AI viewpoints. In System 3, we introduce collective predictive coding to explain how societal-level adaptation and symbol emergence operate over extended timescales. This comprehensive framework ranges from rapid embodied reactions to slow-evolving collective intelligence, offering a unified perspective on cognition across multiple timescales, levels of abstraction, and forms of human intelligence. The System 0/1/2/3 model provides a novel theoretical foundation for understanding the interplay between adaptive and cognitive processes, thereby opening new avenues for research in cognitive science, AI, robotics, and collective intelligence.

Problem

• Extends dual-process theory with a quad-process model for cognition.
• Unifies temporal dynamics of cognition using multi-scale time theory.
• Explains collective intelligence and symbol emergence over extended timescales.

Innovation

• Quad-process model extends dual-process theory
• System 0 emphasizes morphological computation
• System 3 introduces collective predictive coding