High-entropy state
High entropy mental states refer a more anarchic form of the human or protohuman brain which may be called primary consciousness, and which contrasts with low-entropy state. This state of mind includes psychedelic states, expanded consciousness, lantern consciousness, infant consciousness; early psychosis; magical thinking; and divergent thinking. It is primarily characterized by “magical thinking”—beliefs about the world that have been shaped by wishes and fears and supernatural interpretation.
- In primary consciousness, cognition is less meticulous in its sampling of the external world and is instead easily biased by emotion, e.g., wishes and anxieties.
- wait a minute. Bias implies being drawn toward repetitive behaviors or beliefs. Sounds pretty low entropy to me. If anything it sounds more like a high entropy state would allow us see the world with less preconceptions
Magical thinking is one way for human minds to reduce their uncertainty about the world, but it is less than optimal for the success of the species.
References
- Pollan, Micheal. (2018). How to Change Your Mind Chapter 5. The Neuroscience of Your Brain on Psychedelics (Location 4262). New York, NY: Penguin Random House.
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Type:🔴 Tags: Psychology Status:⛅️