The Science Of Consciousness
What are challenges for a science of consciousness?
- Wholeness of Self - Meaning - Freewill - Continuity through time - The present moment - Foundation of mathematics - The mind-body problem - Qualia - Artificial intelligence - Spirituality
Template
Author: Theory: - Strengths: Weaknesses:
Frequency Fractal Computing
Author: Anirban Bandyopadhyay Theory: Concept: - Measured electrical resonance in neurons, microtubules, and tubulin - Found resonance at each level - Introduction of a novel computer class devoid of circuits or logic gates, capable of autonomous learning and program generation. Inspiration from Gödel's Incompleteness: - Exploration of Gödel's incompleteness argument to create an engine allowing an astronomical number of "if-then" arguments to self-assemble for problem-solving. Frequency Fractal Connectivity: - Electromagnetic resonance bands of seeds exhibit frequency fractal patterns, creating a chain of resonance bands connecting the smallest to the largest seed. Pattern Search Solution: - The computer addresses intractable pattern search problems (like Clique) without explicit searching, as the right pattern spontaneously responds. Memory Everywhere: - Memory is distributed across all layers of the hardware, allowing simultaneous learning and computing everywhere. Wireless Processing and Resonance Chain: - Feasibility of wireless processing due to a resonance chain connecting all computing seeds, maximizing computing power through resonance states. Human Brain Model: - Inspired by the human brain, the model presents an experimentally determined resonance chain with a wide bandwidth, accompanied by an organic synthesis of the computer and a new hardware element (Hinductor). Strengths: Weaknesses:
Global Workspace Theory
Author: Bernard Baars Theory: Central Idea: - Consciousness is a product of information sharing in a "global workspace" within the brain. Metaphor: - Likens the brain to a theater where information competes for attention, and only the selected information gains conscious access. Selective Broadcasting: - Emphasizes the importance of selective broadcasting of information to achieve conscious awareness. Working Memory Analogy: - Compares the global workspace to a working memory, highlighting the limited capacity for conscious processing. Integration of Information: - GWT posits that consciousness arises when information is globally available and integrated across different brain regions. Access to the Global Workspace: - Information becomes conscious when it gains access to the global workspace and is widely distributed for further processing. Cognitive Functions: - GWT provides insights into various cognitive functions, including attention, memory, and problem-solving. In essence, GWT suggests that consciousness results from the global sharing and integration of information within the brain, with a limited capacity for selective broadcasting leading to conscious awareness Strengths: Weaknesses:
Emptiness
Author: Buddhism Theory: - In summary, the Buddhist notion of emptiness emphasizes the interdependence and lack of inherent existence in all phenomena, including consciousness. Understanding emptiness is pivotal in achieving freedom from attachments and alleviating suffering Emptiness (Sunyata): - Central concept in Buddhism, emphasizing the lack of inherent, independent existence in all phenomena. Interdependence: - Emptiness teaches that all things arise and exist dependently on other factors, lacking self-existence. Non-Duality: - Rejects the notion of inherent distinctions, promoting a non-dual perspective on reality. Role in Consciousness: - Emptiness extends to consciousness, suggesting that the nature of consciousness is empty of intrinsic, permanent identity. Freedom from Attachments: - Understanding emptiness leads to freedom from attachments and the alleviation of suffering. Meditative Insight: - Practitioners cultivate meditative insight to directly experience the emptiness of phenomena, including consciousness. Strengths: Weaknesses:
Collective Unconsciousness
Author: Carl Jung Theory: - Parts that make up the collective unconscious are literally unconscious and have never been conscious. This is what separates them from the personal unconscious. - Personal unconsciousness consists of complexes, while the collective unconscious is composed of hereditary archetypes. - Archetypes are basically patterns of instinctual behavior and desires that get pass along through unconscious products through mediums like language and education. - They begin as forms without content, which then give rise to a particular possibilities with particular perception and action. When activated, this results in compulsiveness, even against reason/will or produce neuroses. Strengths: Weaknesses:
Hierarchy of Beings
Author: Christianity Theory: - The great chain of being is a hierarchical structure of all matter and life, thought by medieval Christianity to have been decreed by God. The chain begins with God and descends through angels, humans, animals and plants to minerals. The great chain of being (Latin: scala naturae, "Ladder of Being") is a concept derived from Plato, Aristotle (in his Historia Animalium), Plotinus and Proclus. Strengths: - Solves the wholeness of self concept, we're all God basically. I feel bad making a claim like this a strength. Weaknesses: - As a theist, I find no strong evidence of a God or beings of this nature. It is unclear what the capacity of God is or what it means for all of us to be - There's not a strong metaphysical foundation here, the causual relationship between individuals in reality and hierachial beings is as unclear as making mental properties fundamental.
Multiple Drafts Theory
Author: Daniel Dennett Theory: No Central HQ: - Rejects a central "Cartesian Theater" for consciousness. - Brain processes info in parallel with no single point of consciousness. No Single Stream: - Consciousness is not a continuous stream but a series of simultaneous processes. Contentious Nature: - Conscious contents determined by competition among brain processes. No Precise Timing: - No specific moment when a mental event becomes conscious. Continuous Revisions: - Conscious experience subject to continuous revision based on feedback. Evolutionary Perspective: - Consciousness evolved to enhance cognitive functions. Intentional Stance: - Introduces "intentional stance" for interpreting behavior. Philosophical Implications: - Challenges traditional views of a unified self or soul. In essence, Dennett's model offers a dynamic, distributed view of consciousness, emphasizing ongoing processes and rejecting a centralized self. Strengths: Weaknesses:
Stages of Insight
Author: Daniel Ingram Theory: The progression through stages are in order and are very predictable, many religions are consistent with these fundamentals. It can be a swift or slow progression, depending on the time and energy put into practice. The stages may bring up mental/physical "raptures" as well as highlight particular aspects of an individuals psychological makeup. In addition, there is also a shift in perceptual threshold with respect to the particular stage in progress. The stages of insight include: Knowledge of Mind and Body Knowledge of Cause and Effect Knowledge of the Three Characteristics Knowledge of the Arising and Passing Away Knowledge of DIssolution Knowledge of Fear Knowledge of Misery Knowledge of Disgust Knowledge of Desire for Deliverance Knowledge of Re-observation Knowledge of Equanimity Knowledge of Conformity Change of Lineage Path Fruition Review Strengths: Weaknesses:
X - Pilot Wave
Author: David Bohm Theory: In essence, Bohm's Pilot Wave Theory proposes a deterministic interpretation of quantum mechanics, introducing hidden variables and nonlocality to explain the behavior of particles in a way that contrasts with the probabilistic nature of standard quantum theory. Particle and Wave Dualism: - Envisions particles as guided by an underlying "pilot wave" rather than existing in a state of indeterminacy. Hidden Variables: - Introduces hidden variables that determine particle behavior, aiming to address the perceived incompleteness of quantum theory. Nonlocality: - Incorporates nonlocality, where particles instantaneously influence each other's states regardless of distance. Wave-Particle Duality Explanation: - Offers a clear explanation for the wave-particle duality of quantum entities. Deterministic Trajectories: - Contrary to standard quantum mechanics, Bohmian mechanics posits that particles follow definite trajectories. Implications for Quantum Entanglement: - Provides a different perspective on entanglement, suggesting interconnected particles follow predetermined paths. Strengths: Weaknesses: - Faces challenges and criticisms, including the need for nonlocal interactions, which some find conceptually difficult.
Naturalistic Dualism
Author: David Chalmers: Theory: - Chalmers characterizes his view as "naturalistic dualism": naturalistic because he believes mental states supervene "naturally" on physical systems (such as brains); dualist because he believes mental states are ontologically distinct from and not reducible to physical systems. Strengths: - Chalmers argues that since such zombies are conceivable to us, they must therefore be logically possible Weaknesses:
Higher Order Thought Theory
Author: David Rosenthal Theory: Basic Tenet: - Consciousness arises from higher-order thoughts about our first-order mental states. First-Order Mental States: - Basic mental experiences, such as sensations, emotions, or perceptions. Higher-Order Thoughts (HOTs): - Consciousness requires awareness via a separate, higher-order thought directed at our first-order mental states. Meta-Cognition: - Emphasizes the importance of metacognition, or thinking about our thinking, in the formation of consciousness. Levels of Awareness: - Distinguishes between first-order mental states (raw experiences) and second-order thoughts (awareness of those experiences). State Consciousness vs. Creature Consciousness: - State consciousness is the awareness of individual mental states, while creature consciousness is the global awareness of oneself as a whole. Explanatory Power: - HOT theory aims to explain subjective experiences and self-awareness without relying on introspective access to first-order states. In summary, David Rosenthal's HOT theory posits that consciousness results from higher-order thoughts about our first-order mental states, emphasizing the role of metacognition in creating self-awareness and subjective experience Strengths: Weaknesses:
Global Neuronal Workspace Theory
Author: Georg Mashour Theory: In summary, Georg Northoff's Global Neuronal Workspace Theory posits that consciousness results from the widespread broadcasting and integration of information within a distributed neural network, with applications in understanding cognitive functions and altered states of consciousness. Central Concept: - Proposes that consciousness arises from the global broadcasting of information within a distributed network of neurons. Global Neuronal Workspace: - Emphasizes the importance of a widespread neural network that allows information to be globally accessible and shared among different brain regions. Selective Access: - Consciousness involves the selective access and integration of information into the global workspace, making it available for higher cognitive functions. Threshold for Consciousness: - Highlights a threshold for consciousness, where information must reach a certain level of neural processing and integration to become consciously experienced. Cognitive Functions: - Attributes specific cognitive functions to the global workspace, such as attention, working memory, and decision-making. Brain-Wide Integration: - Global Neuronal Workspace Theory suggests that consciousness is associated with widespread integration rather than localized processing. Neural Correlates: - Examines the neural correlates of consciousness by investigating the patterns of brain activity associated with the global broadcasting of information. Applications in Anesthesia: - Applied to the study of anesthesia, exploring how anesthetics disrupt the global workspace and lead to loss of consciousness. Strengths: Weaknesses:
Integrated Information Theory
Author: Guilio Tononi Theory: In summary, Integrated Information Theory by Giulio Tononi posits that consciousness is a result of the integration of information within a system, introducing the measure Φ and addressing the unity and specificity of conscious experiences. Axioms: - Intrinsic existence - Composition - Information - Integration and exclusion Postulates - cause-effect power - cause-effect power upon self - differentiable cause-effect repertoires - irreducibility of systems Central Tenet: - Proposes that consciousness arises from the integration of information within a system. Phi (Φ): - Introduces the concept of Φ (phi), a measure of the extent to which information in a system is integrated and irreducible to its individual parts. Exclusion Postulate: - States that a conscious experience is characterized by the exclusion of alternative possibilities, emphasizing the specificity and unity of consciousness. Panpsychism Implication: - IIT suggests a form of panpsychism, proposing that any system with a non-zero Φ value possesses some degree of consciousness. Complexity and Causation: - Takes into account not only the complexity of information but also the cause-and-effect structure within a system. Quantification of Consciousness: Aims to quantify and measure consciousness objectively, providing a framework for assessing the level of consciousness in various systems. Five Axioms: - IIT is based on five axioms that define the essential properties of a system capable of supporting consciousness. Application to Neural Systems: - Applied to neural systems, IIT provides insights into the neural correlates of consciousness. Strengths: Weaknesses:
Re-entrant Circuitry
Author: Hakwan Lau Theory: - In summary, Hakwan Lau's Re-entrant Circuitry Theory suggests that consciousness results from the dynamic interactions of re-entrant neural circuits, fostering information integration and a unified subjective experience. Central Concept: - Proposes that consciousness arises from the dynamic interactions of re-entrant neural circuits in the brain. Re-entrant Processing: - Emphasizes the continual exchange of information between different brain regions, forming recurrent feedback loops. Global Workspace: - Similar to Baars' Global Workspace Theory, Lau's theory suggests that certain brain areas act as a "global workspace" where information is shared and integrated. Dynamic Integration: - Consciousness is seen as a result of the dynamic integration of information through re-entrant pathways, creating a unified and coherent experience. Multisensory Processing: - Extends the theory to explain how re-entrant processing contributes to the integration of multisensory information, enhancing perceptual experiences. Adaptive Function: - Posits that re-entrant circuitry serves an adaptive function, allowing the brain to flexibly process information based on context and goals. Neural Correlates of Consciousness (NCC): - Addresses the neural correlates of consciousness by examining the role of re-entrant circuits in generating subjective experience. Strengths: - Supported by experimental findings, including studies on binocular rivalry and perceptual integration. Weaknesses:
Consciousness Causes Collapse
Author: Henry Stapp Theory: - Attention density: thinking about something repeatedly strengthens some pattern of activity - The quantum computer mind is collapsing the wave function to a particular physical state. Observer Effect: - Conscious awareness influences outcomes in quantum events. Mind-Body Link: - Connects mental events to quantum processes, challenging materialism. Quantum Zeno Effect: - Frequent conscious observation can "freeze" quantum states. Free Will Implications: - Suggests a role for free will in influencing quantum processes. Strengths: Weaknesses:
Biological Naturalism
Author: John Searle Theory: - Digital computers cannot be conscious - There is something special about neurons and biology - John Searle proposes that there is "intentionality" within biological systems, but only humans and probably other mammals Strengths: Weaknesses:
O - Nested Observer Windows
Author: Justin Riddle & Jonathan Schooler Theory: - Observer windows are nested within a hierarchy such that each observer window integrates a mosaic representation of the information in its subwindows - Through mosaic tiling, perceptual information builds in abstraction when moving up the hierarchy and abstract action plans are disseminated when moving down the hierarchy. - Observer windows generate a cognitive stream, like a theater, that integrates information with a unique narration. - A dialogue unfolds between neighboring observer windows to resolve conflicting perceptions and action plans. Altogether, the NOW Model captures a wide range of subjective phenomenology and generates testable predictions for experimental research. - Windows are nested within each other across spatiotemporal scales - Not only bottom-up influence but top-down as well - Unified consciousness at the apex - Compatible with many views - Information traveling up the nested hierarchy builds in abstraction whereas top-down signals submerge to disseminate control. - Higher-order observer windows have limited access to successively lower order windows, which explains why the intent to act is sometimes met with resistance and optical illusions persist despite knowledge to the contray - Synchrony sets an intrinsic integration rate for each observer window that determines the flow of time within the observer window Strengths: Weaknesses:
Free Energy Principle
Author: Karl Friston Theory: - In essence, Karl Friston's Free Energy Principle posits that biological systems, particularly the brain, minimize free energy to optimize their internal models, providing a unified perspective on perception, action, and learning Central Idea: - Proposes that biological systems, including the brain, minimize a quantity called "free energy" to maintain a stable and adaptive state. Free Energy: - Free energy represents the discrepancy between the internal model of the world and sensory input; minimizing it optimizes the model's accuracy. Active Inference: - Biological systems engage in active inference, continuously updating their internal models to reduce the discrepancy between predictions and actual sensory data. Complexity and Adaptation: - Minimizing free energy reflects a drive towards simplicity and efficiency in adapting to the environment. Neuroscience Application: - Applied to neuroscience, Friston's principle suggests that the brain minimizes prediction errors, shaping perception and action to align with expectations. Unified Framework: - Aims to provide a unified framework for understanding perception, action, and learning in both biological and artificial systems. Bayesian Brain Hypothesis: - Aligned with the Bayesian brain hypothesis, suggesting the brain as a probabilistic inference machine that optimally predicts its environment. Strengths: Weaknesses:
X - Simulation Hypothesis
Author: Nick Bostrom Theory: - The idea that all of reality, including the Earth and the rest of the universe, is an artificial simulation, as—for example—a video game. Strengths: Weaknesses:
X - Eliminative Materialism
Author: Paul & Patricia Churchland Theory: - The radical claim that our ordinary, common-sense understanding of the mind is deeply wrong and that some or all of the mental states posited by common-sense do not actually exist. Strengths: Weaknesses:
World Of Forms
Author: Plato Theory: - Abstract objects and entities are real. - Non-material realm of perfect, eternal forms or ideas. In essence, Plato's World of Forms posits a non-material reality of perfect forms that are more real than the imperfect physical world, playing a crucial role in knowledge and understanding. Reality Hierarchy: - Forms are more real and fundamental than physical objects in the observable world. Imperfection of Physical World: - Physical world is a realm of imperfect reflections or copies of the perfect forms. Epistemological Role: - Forms serve as the ultimate source of knowledge, guiding understanding of the world. Strengths: Weaknesses:
The Singularity
Author: Ray Kurzwell Theory: - the theory that we are at the knee of an exponential curve about to launch into technological growth at a scale we cannot comprehend - Revolutions on the order of magnitude of the invention of the internet at the scale of years, then months, then days, then minutes, then nanoseconds Strengths: Weaknesses:
X - Substance Dualism
Author: Rene Descartes Theory: - The notion that mind and body consist of two fundamentally different kinds of stuff, or substances. An the mental substance is not physical substance Strengths: Weaknesses:
X - The Selfish Gene
Author: Richard Dawkins Theory: - The Selfish Gene seems to see consciousness as an interaction that is external to organism. Geneticists often believe the extent that a gene interacts is solely within the bounds of the organism. Selfish genes makes the argument that genes are actually reaching out not just to inanimate objects but also other organisms. From a consciousness perspective, this blurring the lines between identities of organism and focusing more on sets of genes that are the primary focus of replication. Strengths: Weaknesses:
Entropic Brain
Author: Robin Carhart-Harris Theory: In summary, Carhart-Harris's Entropic Brain Theory posits that consciousness emerges from the brain's transition to a state of higher entropy, influenced by factors such as psychedelics, with potential therapeutic applications and implications for neural plasticity and connectivity. Central Proposition: - Consciousness arises from the brain's transition towards a state of higher entropy. Entropic States: - Entropy refers to disorder or randomness; Carhart-Harris suggests that psychedelic states induce higher entropy in the brain. Default Mode Network (DMN): - Emphasizes the role of the DMN in maintaining stability and low entropy, inhibiting novel connections and experiences. Psychedelic Influence: - Proposes that psychedelics disrupt the DMN, allowing for a temporary increase in entropy, leading to altered states of consciousness. Neural Plasticity: - The theory links higher entropy with increased neural plasticity, enabling new patterns of thought and perception. Therapeutic Applications: - Suggests that inducing controlled states of higher entropy could have therapeutic benefits, especially in mental health treatment. Connectivity and Unconstrained Cognition: - Highlights the idea that increased entropy leads to enhanced global connectivity and unconstrained cognition. Strengths: Weaknesses:
X - Noncomputation
Author: Roger Penrose Theory: - Draws parallels between Gödel's incompleteness theorems in mathematics and the limitations of computational models in explaining consciousness. - Eg is the gravitational energy of two possible spacetime curvatures, pulling on one another due to their respective and collective masses. - The wave collapses on its own, once Eg reaches a threshold. - Eventually collapsing into a specific reality Strengths: - Respects casuality Weaknesses: - It's a pretty big claim, it needs scientific validation. - What happens to the other reality?
X - Orchestrated Objective Reduction
Author: Stuart Hameroff & Roger Penrose Theory: Microtubules in Neurons: - Focuses on microtubules, structures inside neurons, as key to consciousness. Quantum Processes: - Suggests quantum computations in microtubules contribute to consciousness. Objective Reduction: - Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch-OR) posits that quantum states collapse in microtubules, influencing consciousness. Connection to Anesthesia: - Orch-OR may explain the mechanism of anesthesia by disrupting microtubule quantum processes. Penrose's Mathematical Influence: - Incorporates Penrose's mathematical arguments for non-computability in consciousness. In summary, Orch-OR proposes that quantum computations in microtubules, with collapses influencing consciousness, explain anesthesia and incorporate non-computable aspects of consciousness. Strengths: Weaknesses:
