Life-Space Foam: a Medium for Motivational and Cognitive Dynamics

General stochastic dynamics, developed in a framework of Feynman path integrals, have been applied to Lewinian field–theoretic psychodynamics [1,2,13], resulting in the development of a new concept of life–space foam (LSF) as a natural medium for motivational and cognitive psychodynamics. According to LSF formalisms, the classic Lewinian life space can be macroscopically represented as a smooth manifold with steady force–fields and behavioral paths, while at the microscopic level it is more realistically represented as a collection of wildly fluctuating force–fields, (loco)motion paths and local geometries (and topologies with holes). A set of least– action principles is used to model the smoothness of global, macro–level LSF paths, fields and geometry. To model the corresponding local, micro–level LSF structures, an adaptive path integral is used, defining a multi–phase and multi–path (multi– field and multi–geometry) transition process from intention to goal–driven action. Application examples of this new approach include (but are not limited to) information processing, motivational fatigue, learning, memory and decision–making. PACS: 87.19.La, 87.19.-j, 87.19.Dd, 87.23.Ge