Collective Intelligence and Neurodynamics: Functional Homologies

Abstract: A deep understanding of the dynamics of the human nervous system requires the simultaneous study of multiple spatiotemporal scales from the level of neurotransmitters up to the level of human cultures. This is likely impossible for technical and ethical reasons. Piecemeal analysis provides some understanding of the dynamics at single levels, but this does not illuminate the interactions between levels which are, at the very least, of great importance clinically. It would be useful to have an accessible biological system which could serve as a proxy for the nervous system and from which useful insights might be obtained. Functional homologies between the nervous system and collective intelligence systems, in particular social insect colonies, are described. It is proposed that social insects colonies could serve as functional proxies for nervous systems. Thus a multiscale study of social insect colonies may provide insights into the dynamics of nervous systems.