AIM Framework glossary
AIM Framework
Canonical definition
The AIM Framework (or the AIM Motivation Framework) is a taxonomy of motivation that distinguishes three neurally grounded sources (Appetites (A), Intrinsic Motivation (I), and Mimetic Desire (M)) that integrate in the Decision Hub to generate a single choice signal (i.e. a decision to act). [Axiom 1: Three-Source Taxonomy]
Explanation
The AIM Framework posits that every choice is driven by some mix of bodily needs, enjoyment of the activity itself, and Salience, of which wanting picked up from others is the most consequential case, which are always combined into one Scalar “this is what I will do next” impulse. AIM does not suggest new neurological phenomena; it reorganises existing evidence into a source-based map that can plug into human behavioural sciences (e.g. economics, psychology, law, and politics) wherever those fields currently talk about undifferentiated “preferences” or “utility.”
Epistemic status
Framework-Specific Construct.
Derivation
Chapter 4, Section 4.3.1; Chapter 5, Section 5.4; Chapter 4, Section 4.3.2.
Related terms
- Appetites (A)
- Intrinsic Motivation (I)
- Mimetic Desire (M)
- Decision Hub
- AIM Weights (wA
- wI
- wM)