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 $\ddot{I}„$ against dissipation rate ${\hat{I}}^3$ requires power $P\ge {\hat{I}}^3{k}_{\mathrm{B}}T/2$, with scaling $P\propto {\hat{I}}^3\cdot \ddot{I}„$. 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.

11 pages