The Attractor Hypothesis

The Attractor Hypothesis suggests that certain patterns or states within complex systems, like the brain or weather, tend to draw the system toward specific stable configurations, called "attractors." These attractors serve as equilibrium points where the system naturally settles over time, despite various initial conditions or disturbances. In neuroscience, for example, this idea helps explain how the brain maintains consistent thoughts or behaviors by gravitating toward particular neural activity patterns. Essentially, the hypothesis describes how systems organize themselves around stable states, allowing predictable and resilient functioning amid constant change.