A cognitive model of economics

Abstract

Economics is typically regarded as a collection of partially related theories. However, if economics is analyzed from a cognitive perspective, then it becomes evident that these theories form a cognitively natural, coherent package. The theory of mental symmetry is a cognitive model based in seven interacting cognitive modules. This theory is used to analyze most of the fundamental concepts of micro- and macroeconomics, as well as behavioral economics and neuroeconomics. Economics can be explained primarily as a focus upon the interaction between the cognitive module that provides motivation and the cognitive module that emphasizes choice. Economics recognizes the existence of other cognitive modules but regards them as outside of the realm of economics. A fuller cognitive picture can be gained by including the activity of these other cognitive modules. Going further, a cognitive basis for the institutions of macroeconomics can be found by viewing these institutions from the perspective of abstract technical thought.

Using a cognitive model to explain mathematical thought

“…Keeping accounts is a way of knowing precisely where one 'is' in the 'game' of commerce. Economics will be discussed later in this paper and have been examined cognitively in another paper (Friesen, 2021a). History indicates that writing did not emerge as a result of using normal abstract thought to describe normal concrete experiences.…”

“…The underlying assumption is that Perceiver thought can accurately categorize the land into various plots and assign ownership. Ownership is a core aspect of economics, which is analyzed in another paper (Friesen, 2021a). However, suppose that I am growing my crops on a floodplain that floods every year.…”