Morality as a Bioenergetic Filter: A Thermodynamic and Evolutionary Ethology Hypothesis on the Residue Model of Depression

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Main Author: Şahin, Can
Format: Recurso digital
Published: Zenodo 2026
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author Şahin, Can
author_facet Şahin, Can
contents <p>Abstract:</p> <p>This study proposes a novel theoretical framework that analyzes morality and depression through the lens of the First Law of Thermodynamics (ΔU = Q - W). The hypothesis, termed the "Bioenergetic Filter Model," posits that morality is a biological survival algorithm developed for efficient energy management and social conflict minimization. Within this framework, metabolic energy produced by the organism must either be converted into constructive "work" (behavior) through a biological moral filter or, if suppressed, dissipate as "depressive residue."</p> <p>The paper integrates the "Free Energy Principle" and evolutionary ethology to explain morality as an energy-saving strategy. Furthermore, it provides a methodological basis for empirical testing using infrared thermography and fMRI to observe thermal dissipation and glucose consumption during moral suppression. The model concludes that depression serves as a thermodynamic safety protocol, acting as a "slow release" mechanism to prevent systemic collapse due to accumulated, unexpended energy.</p>
format Recurso digital
id zenodo_https___doi_org_10_5281_zenodo_18177236
institution Zenodo
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publishDate 2026
publisher Zenodo
record_format zenodo
spellingShingle Morality as a Bioenergetic Filter: A Thermodynamic and Evolutionary Ethology Hypothesis on the Residue Model of Depression
Şahin, Can
<p>Abstract:</p> <p>This study proposes a novel theoretical framework that analyzes morality and depression through the lens of the First Law of Thermodynamics (ΔU = Q - W). The hypothesis, termed the "Bioenergetic Filter Model," posits that morality is a biological survival algorithm developed for efficient energy management and social conflict minimization. Within this framework, metabolic energy produced by the organism must either be converted into constructive "work" (behavior) through a biological moral filter or, if suppressed, dissipate as "depressive residue."</p> <p>The paper integrates the "Free Energy Principle" and evolutionary ethology to explain morality as an energy-saving strategy. Furthermore, it provides a methodological basis for empirical testing using infrared thermography and fMRI to observe thermal dissipation and glucose consumption during moral suppression. The model concludes that depression serves as a thermodynamic safety protocol, acting as a "slow release" mechanism to prevent systemic collapse due to accumulated, unexpended energy.</p>
title Morality as a Bioenergetic Filter: A Thermodynamic and Evolutionary Ethology Hypothesis on the Residue Model of Depression
url https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18177236