Illusion Circles by Simon Bridgestock

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Illusion Circles: Perceptual Recurrence Phenomena

Abstract

Illusion Circles is a theoretical model describing recurring perceptual distortions within cognitive frameworks. Rooted in the interplay between psychological illusion mechanisms and circular cognitive feedback loops, Illusion Circles represent a fascinating intersection of perceptual science, neuropsychology, and theoretical geometry. The study explores the implications of Illusion Circles on human decision-making, memory recall, and collective societal behaviours, positing them as an essential yet underexplored aspect of human cognition.

1. Introduction

The human mind is a complex processor of sensory and cognitive inputs, frequently prone to illusions that distort objective reality. While traditional studies of perceptual illusions focus on isolated phenomena, the proposed concept of Illusion Circles examines the recursive patterns these distortions follow within individual and collective minds. This paper hypothesises that Illusion Circles occur when cognitive biases, memory retrieval processes, and sensory interpretations form a self-sustaining loop, leading to persistent misinterpretations of reality.

2. Theoretical Framework

2.1. Defining Illusion Circles

Illusion Circles are described as cyclical patterns of perception where an individual or group repeatedly encounters distorted interpretations of stimuli due to internalised feedback mechanisms. This phenomenon is symbolically represented as a closed circle, where the endpoint of one distortion feeds directly into the genesis of another.

2.2. Geometric and Neuropsychological Basis

The circular model stems from the principles of feedback systems, similar to cybernetic loops in artificial intelligence. Neurologically, Illusion Circles may originate from hyperactivity within the Default Mode Network (DMN), combined with repetitive firing in the brain’s sensory cortices. This neural redundancy fosters perceptual self-reinforcement, analogous to geometrical circles where every point is equidistant from the centre.

3. Experimental Evidence

Although Illusion Circles remain largely theoretical, several observational scenarios provide indirect support for their existence:

Case Study A: Déjà Vu Phenomenon

Déjà vu can be conceptualised as an Illusion Circle, where familiar yet misattributed sensations arise from the feedback between the hippocampus (memory processing) and the prefrontal cortex (perception interpretation).


Case Study B: Social Echo Chambers

In group settings, Illusion Circles are evident in echo chambers, where collective cognitive biases reinforce misconceptions through cyclical agreement.


Case Study C: Optical Illusions

Persistent optical illusions like the Penrose Triangle or Shepard’s Tables might reflect localised, non-reality-adhering Illusion Circles in the brain's visual processing regions.

4. Implications of Illusion Circles

4.1. Cognitive Distortion in Decision-Making

Illusion Circles can significantly affect rational decision-making by anchoring thought patterns in a circular, self-validating process. This suggests applications in behavioural economics and the design of persuasive technologies.

4.2. Memory and Historical Perception

In collective memory, Illusion Circles may perpetuate historical myths or cultural narratives, revealing their utility in sociological and historiographical analyses.

4.3. Technological Design and Artificial Intelligence

Understanding Illusion Circles could refine algorithms that simulate human cognition, particularly in mitigating feedback loop errors in artificial intelligence systems.

5. Discussion

The novelty of Illusion Circles lies in their unifying approach, bridging individual psychological phenomena and macro-social dynamics. However, their unproven status necessitates further interdisciplinary research, particularly in neuroscience and computational modelling, to test their validity and predictability.

6. Conclusion

While still a theoretical construct, the concept of Illusion Circles opens new pathways for understanding recurring distortions in perception, memory, and decision-making. By framing these distortions within a cyclical paradigm, researchers can better explore the feedback-driven nature of human cognition and its broader implications.

Simon's eclectic output encompasses a diverse range of styles, including dark ambient soundscapes, folk horror soundtracks, 1970s-influenced library music, progressive rock, cinematic grooves, plunderphonics, IDM, musique concrète, and more.

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