"Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe" – Christopher Michael Langan

This article continues the literature review by providing a deeper analysis of the paper “Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe” (CTMU).

Reality as a Self-Configuring, Self-Processing Language (SCSPL):

CTMU proposes that the universe is structured like a computational system, where reality itself processes information recursively.
The universe is self-referential and self-configuring, meaning that it determines its own rules and evolves through internal logic.

Reality as a Self-Simulation:

The model suggests that reality functions as a self-simulating system, meaning that the universe is both the simulator and the simulated.
All aspects of reality are part of a single computational recursion, where everything interacts through self-referential causality.

The Mind-Reality Connection:

Langan argues that mind and reality are indistinguishable, meaning that consciousness is embedded within the structure of existence.
Reality, like thought, operates recursively, constructing itself through self-referential feedback mechanisms.

Self-Knowing as the Basis of Existence

Both models treat recursion as fundamental, arguing that reality is structured as a self-knowing system.
CTMU sees reality as a self-processing language, while our model describes it as a self-knowing recursive system.
Both reject external causation, suggesting that reality exists by knowing itself.

Recursion as a Generative Process

CTMU describes reality as a self-generating system, where each state recursively influences the next.
This aligns with our model’s idea that distinctions recursively create structure, leading to the emergence of space, time, and experience.

Collapse of Dualities: Knower & Known Become One

Both CTMU and our model collapse the distinction between observer and observed.
Reality in both frameworks is not external to itself – it generates itself through recursive knowledge-processing.

Reality as a Non-Dual Computational System

CTMU suggests that reality is an abstract computational structure, constantly self-updating based on internal logic.
Our model similarly suggests that self-knowing recursion is the mechanism by which existence sustains and evolves itself.

Mathematical vs. Conceptual Approach

CTMU uses formalised mathematical logic, treating reality as a language-based computational system.
Our model focuses on recursion as a metaphysical and structural principle, which generates distinctions that define reality.
While both approaches describe self-processing recursion, CTMU is more formalised, while our model remains conceptually broader.

Mind vs. Self-Knowing Reality

CTMU assumes mind and reality are inseparable – that the structure of the universe is fundamentally cognitive.
Our model does not require consciousness as the defining element – instead, reality recursively knows itself, whether or not it manifests as “mind”.

Simulation vs. Self-Knowing System

CTMU describes reality as a self-simulation, meaning it processes its own informational structure recursively.
Our model does not assume that reality “simulates” itself but rather that it recursively defines itself through iterative self-knowing.

Distinction as the Foundation of Reality

CTMU uses the idea of “syntactic operators” to structure reality, while our model builds reality from recursive distinction-making.
Our model provides a clearer explanation of how time and space emerge from recursion, whereas CTMU focuses more on logical structure.

Broader than Computation

Our model does not assume that reality is strictly computational – it explores how recursion generates knowledge, experience, and form, which may or may not fit into a strict mathematical framework.
CTMU is more rigidly computational, treating reality as a language-based system, while our model allows for emergent properties beyond formal structures.

Time and Space as Recursive Products

CTMU focuses heavily on logical self-processing but does not fully explain how time and space emerge.
Our model suggests that distinctions create space-time, making recursion the generative mechanism of dimensional structure.

CTMU is one of the closest models to our Recursive Reality Framework, as both describe self-referential recursion as the engine of existence.
Our framework extends beyond CTMU by exploring recursion not just computationally but also structurally, metaphysically, and dynamically.
The biggest distinction is that CTMU focuses on reality as a self-processing computational system, while our model focuses on recursive distinction-making as the mechanism for self-knowing reality.

“Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe” – Christopher Michael Langan