Principle of Systemic Quantum Organization
The foundation for forming any systemic quantum is the principle of self-regulation. The organism constantly assesses how intermediate and final results of its actions bring it closer to the goal.
The key mechanism of this evaluation is feedback (reverse afferentation)—a stream of signals from receptors regarding achieved parameters. All information entering from the external environment, as well as each step of mental activity, passes through a specific filter: the prism of satisfying the dominant need. Motivation and reinforcement together shape the informational architecture of the entire process.
Outcomes of Activity
The outcome of any systemic quantum depends on whether actual results match expected outcomes. This evaluation occurs in a specialized neural apparatus: the action result acceptor (akseptor rezultata deystviya, ARD).
- Successful Completion (Match)
If the parameters of the achieved result fully correspond to the properties of the action result acceptor, the initial need is satisfied. The subject experiences a positive emotion, the current systemic quantum concludes, and a new need forms in its place, triggering the next cycle.
- Unsuccessful Completion (Mismatch)
If actual results do not match the matrix of the action result acceptor, a mismatch occurs. This is accompanied by negative emotions of varying intensity and triggers exploratory behavior. The organism must restructure afferent synthesis, make a new decision, and adjust the acceptor itself. Mental activity is not interrupted, but rather redirected toward achieving the modified goal.
Types of Quantization
In humans, the construction of systemic quanta relies on genetic mechanisms, past experience (learning), and specific verbal factors (instructions and self-instructions). Three main types of quantization are distinguished:
- Sequential. Strict linear order. A new systemic quantum begins exclusively after the previous one achieves its useful result (the "result-to-new-process" principle).
- Hierarchical. Applied when the ultimate goal is delayed in time. To achieve a major future result, the subject constructs and executes a chain of intermediate systemic quanta subordinated to a global task.
- Mixed. A combination of the two previous types, where behavior is alternately determined by sequential or hierarchical links.
Cerebral Mechanisms and Process Transformation
The central architecture of functional systems represents the dynamics of informational processes within brain structures. Notably, information transmission at all stages (from excitation to the feedback influence of the action result acceptor) proceeds without losing the initial informational meaning of the need.
During mental activity, a continuous mutual transition occurs between the material and the ideal (informational):
- Material to Informational. Biological metabolic needs transform into informational processes—motivations and emotions. Similarly, physical environmental impacts are transformed into the subtle mechanisms of the action result acceptor.
- Informational to Material. Formed motivations and their accompanying emotions are realized as specific material forms of behavior and spatial actions.