Canxianization: A Theory of Recurrent Conscious Priority
A new theory proposes that certain mental aspects repeatedly come to our attention through a process called Canxianization. This concept, explained in a paper on arXiv, sets itself apart from factors like emotional excitement, memory strength, the Zeigarnik effect, curiosity, prediction errors, and intrusive thoughts. Canxianization occurs when a disruption relates to the boundary of the self, gets assigned a value, is unresolved, and is connected to our self-image. The study introduces two indexes: the Recurrent Priority Index and the Canxian Update Index, to differentiate between helpful and harmful repetitions. It also points out a type called Cold Canxianization, which is driven by structural gaps rather than emotional triggers.
Key facts
- The theory is called Canxianization.
- It explains why some conscious contents return repeatedly.
- It distinguishes from emotional arousal, memory strength, Zeigarnik effect, curiosity, prediction error, and intrusive thought.
- Canxianization requires attribution to self-world boundary, value-marking, blocked closure, and metacognitive coupling.
- A Recurrent Priority Index and Canxian Update Index are introduced.
- Cold Canxianization is driven by structural incompleteness.
- The paper is on arXiv with ID 2605.12543.
- The paper is from 2025.
Entities
Institutions
- arXiv