arXiv:2606.15078v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: We develop a formal theory of cognitive debt: the stock of unverified reasoning obligations that accumulates when individuals use AI as a substitute rather than a complement for first-principles cognition. The model features two state variables per agent, cognitive capital and cognitive debt, and a multiplicative production technology in which cognitive capital functions as collateral that determines the return to AI adoption. We establish six propositions. Rational agents incur positive cognitive debt because the costs are deferred, partially ex
The rapid and pervasive adoption of AI across various domains makes understanding its cognitive implications increasingly urgent.
This research provides a formal framework for understanding the potential long-term risks associated with over-reliance on AI, particularly concerning human cognitive capital.
It introduces 'cognitive debt' as a measurable concept, allowing for a structured analysis of how AI use can degrade human reasoning abilities.
- · AI ethics researchers
- · Education reform advocates
- · Cognitive assessment developers
- · AI companies promoting uncritical adoption
- · Individuals over-relying on AI for complex tasks
- · Professions requiring deep first-principles reasoning
Increased awareness and debate around the human cost of AI adoption without proper cognitive safeguards.
Development of tools and educational programs aimed at fostering 'first-principles cognition' alongside AI use.
Societal shifts in educational paradigms and professional training to mitigate cognitive debt and preserve human intellectual autonomy.
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Read at arXiv cs.AI