arXiv · 2601.02329
BEDS : Bayesian Emergent Dissipative Structures : A Formal Framework for Continuous Inference Under Energy Constraints
Abstract
We introduce BEDS (Bayesian Emergent Dissipative Structures), a formal framework for analyzing inference systems that must maintain beliefs continuously under energy constraints. Unlike classical computational models that assume perfect memory and focus on one-shot computation, BEDS explicitly incorporates dissipation (information loss over time) as a fundamental constraint. We prove a central result linking energy, precision, and dissipation: maintaining a belief with precision $τ$ against dissipation rate $γ$ requires power $P \geq γk_{\rm B} T / 2$, with scaling $P \propto γ\cdot τ$. This establishes a fundamental thermodynamic cost for continuous inference. We define three classes of problems -- BEDS-attainable, BEDS-maintainable, and BEDS-crystallizable -- and show these are distinct from classical decidability. We propose the Gödel-Landauer-Prigogine conjecture, suggesting that closure pathologies across formal systems, computation, and thermodynamics share a common structure.
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Laurent Caraffa. 2026-01-07. BEDS : Bayesian Emergent Dissipative Structures : A Formal Framework for Continuous Inference Under Energy Constraints. https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.02329
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