Cognitive Shadow
Cognitive Shadow is term used by Brandon to refer to a spirit that has not yet moved into the afterlife[1]. While the manifestations of this kind of entity can vary depending on the world it occurs on, Cognitive Shadows have consistent rules and can occur on any planet of the Cosmere. In general, they are similar to the concept of ghosts on Earth. Some of them are created when a person has sufficient attachment to something in Physical realm, or when a Shardholder that has held onto the Shard for a long time dies[2].
Examples
After his death, Kelsier still managed to influence Physical Realm for some time, even holding Preservation's shard for a time.
Seons are, presumably, cognitive shadows of splinters of Devotion [3].
Common on Threnody, Shades are somewhat unique in that they can convert living people into more Shades. This is explained by the kind of Investiture the people on that planet help, as well as the lack of Shard[3].
A cognitive shadow of Honor on Roshar[4].
- ↑ Steelheart release party
— Theoryland - 24th September, 2013# - ↑ Orem Signing Report - Zas678
— Theoryland - 6th December, 2014# - ↑ a b WoR Signing Report - Bartbug
— Theoryland - 6th March, 2014# - ↑ Brandon Sanderson - /r/books AMA 2015
— Theoryland - 12th March, 2015#