The Cognitive Revolution and the Transformation of Governance Paradigms: Reconsidering the Role of Cognition in Political Power

This theoretical research, using systematic literature review and thematic analysis, examines the profound transformation of political power due to cognitive revolution. Recently, advances in neuroscience, cognitive psychology, behavioral economics, and digital technologies have turned human cognition from an individual process into a strategic infrastructure of political power. This has shifted governance paradigms from institutional-structural models to cognition-centered models.
The main objective of the research is to formulate a new paradigm of cognitive governance and to analyze the role of cognition in redefining concepts of power, legitimacy, inequality, and the role of the state. The research methodology combined a systematic literature review (1970–2024) and theoretical thematic analysis of 128 key sources.
The findings indicate the emergence of 'cognitive power' as the ability to regulate the architecture of attention, cognitive load, emotions, and collective predictions. Furthermore, a new layer called 'cognitive legitimacy' has been added to the concept of political legitimacy, 'cognitive inequality' has been identified as a novel socio-political divide, and the role of the state has evolved into 'collective cognition regulator.' These changes highlight necessity of establishing institutions such as cognitive regulatory bodies, enhancing cognitive literacy, and ensuring cognitive justice.
Consequently, without accepting this paradigmatic shift, the sustainability of democracy, social cohesion, and the efficiency of governance systems in the age of artificial intelligence and digital platforms will be seriously threatened. The present study provides an interdisciplinary conceptual framework that paves the way for future empirical research and policy-making in the field of cognitive governance.