Nonlinear Sciences – Adaptation and Self-Organizing Systems
Scientific paper
1999-11-09
Journal of Consciousness Studies 9(8):3-29 (2002)
Nonlinear Sciences
Adaptation and Self-Organizing Systems
26 pages, 12 figures
Scientific paper
Fundamental approaches bypass the problem of getting consciousness from non-conscious components by positing that consciousness is a universal primitive. For example, the double aspect theory of information holds that information has a phenomenal aspect. How then do you get from phenomenal information to human consciousness? This paper proposes that an entity is conscious to the extent it amplifies information, first by trapping and integrating it through closure, and second by maintaining dynamics at the edge of chaos through simultaneous processes of divergence and convergence. The origin of life through autocatalytic closure, and the origin of an interconnected worldview through conceptual closure, induced phase transitions in the degree to which information, and thus consciousness, is locally amplified. Divergence and convergence of cognitive information may involve phenomena observed in light e.g. focusing, interference, and resonance. By making information flow inward-biased, closure shields us from external consciousness; thus the paucity of consciousness may be an illusion.
No associations
LandOfFree
Amplifying Phenomenal Information: Toward a Fundamental Theory of Consciousness does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Amplifying Phenomenal Information: Toward a Fundamental Theory of Consciousness, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Amplifying Phenomenal Information: Toward a Fundamental Theory of Consciousness will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-495738