Abstract Here we introduce the General Theory of Animistic Agency to represent embedded cognitive agents. Animistic Agency constructs an identity between objec

Abstract Here we introduce the General Theory of Animistic Agency to represent embedded cognitive agents. Animistic Agency constructs an identity between objective statements and evaluative statements, thereby strengthening inferences related to intentions, and refuting the is–ought problem (i.e. Hume's law). This formalism has plausible applications for cognitive science and philosophy, artificial general intelligence alignment, and for the analysis and design of incentive structures within multi-agent organizations, such as corporations, governments and markets.