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https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.6...
Article . 2026 . Peer-reviewed
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https://dx.doi.org/10.48550/ar...
Article . 2026
License: arXiv Non-Exclusive Distribution
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Preprint . 2026
Data sources: Datacite
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Preprint . 2026
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A Mathematical Theory of Understanding

Authors: Bahar Taskesen;

A Mathematical Theory of Understanding

Abstract

Generative AI has transformed the economics of information production, making explanations, proofs, examples, and analyses available at very low cost. Yet the value of information still depends on whether downstream users can absorb and act on it. A signal conveys meaning only to a learner with the structural capacity to decode it: an explanation that clarifies a concept for one user may be indistinguishable from noise to another who lacks the relevant prerequisites. This paper develops a mathematical model of that learner side bottleneck.<br><br> We model the learner as a <i>mind</i>, an abstract learning system characterized by a prerequisite structure over concepts. A mind may represent a human learner, an artificial learner such as a neural network, or any agent whose ability to interpret signals depends on previously acquired concepts. Teaching is modeled as sequential communication with a latent target. Because instructional signals are usable only when the learner has acquired the prerequisites needed to parse them, the effective communication channel depends on the learner's current state of knowledge and becomes more informative as learning progresses. The model yields two limits on the speed of learning and adoption: a structural limit determined by prerequisite reachability and an epistemic limit determined by uncertainty about the target.<br><br> The framework implies threshold effects in training and capability acquisition. When the teaching horizon lies below the prerequisite depth of the target, additional instruction cannot produce successful completion of teaching; once that depth is reached, completion becomes feasible. This generates non-concave returns to training effort and implies that spreading scarce instructional resources evenly can yield lower output than concentrating them on fewer workers or users. Across heterogeneous learners, a common broadcast curriculum is slower than personalized instruction by a factor proportional to the number of learner types.

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Keywords

Machine Learning, FOS: Computer and information sciences, FOS: Economics and business, Information Theory (cs.IT), Information Theory, Theoretical Economics (econ.TH), Theoretical Economics, Machine Learning (cs.LG)

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green