Decision-making in cognitive paradoxes with contextuality and quantum formalism

Abstract

Contextuality in human cognition can be defined as the existence of thoughts that are locally consistent and globally inconsistent. Absence of contextuality in the representational theories that are used for modelling cognitive processes results in inconsistencies between expected and actual decisions. These inconsistencies are usually regarded as paradoxes. However, recent literature reports that the quantum formalism is successful in explaining these paradoxes. In this article, we show the remarkable connection between contextuality, cognitive paradoxes and quantum formalism with a focus on decision-making. In this regard, we first analyse the paradoxes of human cognition from contextuality perspective as they share the pattern of local consistency and global inconsistency. This analysis is carried out using the proposed two-step contextuality analysis framework using the theories such as contextuality-by-Default and State Context Property formalism. Subsequently, this analysis provides an understanding on the dynamics of thoughts that has led to the paradoxical decisions which varies from the theoretical decisions. On the other hand, the success of quantum approach to cognitive paradoxes is due to their support for contextuality which is facilitated by the natural quantum characteristics. In this regard, we also narrate on how natural quantum characteristics facilitate contextuality with an example on decision-making. As a result, this article brings out the importance of contextuality in cognitive paradoxes and quantum formalism. Inferences obtained from this analysis emphasize on how and why quantum formalism is suitable for cognitive paradoxes. Our contribution stands out from the literature due to its comprehensive nature.