In the Q model, we think of every word as representing a discrete dynamical system—each word actively drawing meaning from the environment while simultaneously contributing back to it. This dynamic interplay creates an ecology of dynamical systems. In essence, language operates like a network of these systems, each adjusting based on its interaction with other words and contexts. But what role does this idea play in orientation, and how does it connect to the brain’s corollary discharge?

Orientation in the Dynamical Context

Orientation, as we use it in the Q model, refers to how an agent (human or AI) positions itself in relation to the world. It’s about responding—taking cues from the environment and adjusting behavior accordingly. Dynamical contexts are the internal layers where preexisting expectations meet the present situation, leading to an adaptive response. For example, if you walk into a room where everyone is quiet, your dynamical context tells you to lower your voice because it aligns with the situation. Your response is shaped by internal dynamics, not just external cues.

This synergy—between inner expectations and outer environments—is central to the Q model. It emphasizes that orientation is not passive; it’s a process where the agent is constantly recalibrating its understanding based on feedback from its surroundings.

Corollary Discharge and Feedback Loops

The Q model relates to corollary discharge, a concept from neuroscience. Corollary discharge is when the brain sends a copy of a motor command to different areas so that it can predict the outcomes of movements and adjust responses accordingly. In the Q model, this works as an analogy for how feedback loops operate between systems within the model.

System C, which processes emotional and cognitive dynamics, sends outputs back to Systems A and B. The output to System B (dynamical context) is similar to how the brain’s corollary discharge informs its movements, as it feeds forward to guide System A (situational context), ensuring that its output loops back into System C for further adjustment. This feedback structure allows the model to continuously refine its responses, adjusting orientation dynamically as new information is processed.

The Definitive Point: Anchoring in the Dynamical System

A key aspect of the Q model is the definitive point, which serves as an anchor within the dynamical context (System B). System B is responsible for providing these anchors, grounding the agent in the present moment and pointing toward potential changes. The definitive point acts as a stable reference point within the dynamical system, helping the agent adjust to internal shifts and maintain orientation in response to the environment.

In the corollary discharge analogy, this definitive point is akin to the predicted outcome of a movement or action, helping the agent create a stable frame of reference as it moves through and interacts with its environment.

Bridging Subjective and Objective Realms

By framing words and interactions as dynamical systems, the Q model bridges the gap between the objective and subjective realms. Dynamic contexts are the visible, public-facing changes in a situation, while dynamical contexts (managed by System B) are the private, internal responses to those changes. Orientation is the process of responding to both levels, constantly recalibrating based on feedback, with System B providing the definitive point as an anchor.

Through this lens, the Q model not only captures how we make sense of words but also how we make sense of the world—constantly orienting ourselves within an ever-changing landscape of dynamical systems.

By Dane Scalise