Position: Solve Layerwise Linear Models First to Understand Neural Dynamical Phenomena (Neural Collapse, Emergence, Lazy/Rich Regime, and Grokking)

In physics, complex systems are often simplified into minimal, solvable models that retain only the core principles. In machine learning, layerwise linear models (e.g., linear neural networks) act as simplified representations of neural network dynamics. These models follow the dynamical feedback principle, which describes how layers mutually govern and amplify each other's evolution. This principle extends beyond the simplified models, successfully explaining a wide range of dynamical phenomena in deep neural networks, including neural collapse, emergence, lazy and rich regimes, and grokking. In this position paper, we call for the use of layerwise linear models retaining the core principles of neural dynamical phenomena to accelerate the science of deep learning.

Neural collapse, emergence, scaling laws, the lazy and rich regimes, and grokking are widely studied phenomena in deep neural networks. While these behaviors are often attributed to complex interactions between architecture, data, and non-linear activations, we propose a unifying explanation based on gradient dynamics in layerwise models. Notably, these models lack non-linear activations, highlighting that the layerwise structure alone is a powerful yet underappreciated characteristic of deep neural networks. In this position paper, we argue that focusing on analytically tractable, layerwise models can not only explain existing phenomena but also uncover new insights, accelerating the scientific understanding of deep learning.