A computational model for the endogenous arousal of thoughts through Z*-numbers

Natural language provides a rich combinatorial mechanism for encoding meanings - a finite set of words can express an unbounded number of thoughts. Framed in 2015 to extend the purpose of Zadeh's Z-numbers, a Z*-number is a perceptual symbol of the meaning of a natural language expression and consequently mentalese - or internal speech. This article, through decomposition of the Z*-macro-parameters into its atomic constituents, presents a model for the endogenous arousal of thoughts during empathetic, bespoke comprehension of the real-world. Based on Minsky's Society of Mind, the framework is founded on the assimilation of multimodal experiences, a sense of 'unified self' and its derivatives (choice, interest, curiosity, etc.), objective and subjective components of knowledge, commonsense, and attention dynamics over a real-world scenario. The model attempts emulation of slow and fast thinking, instinctive reactions, learning, deliberation, reflection and self-conscious decisions. The design has been validated against human responses, and aims to contribute to the development of autonomous artificial systems for man-machine symbiosis.