Neuroscience of Consciousness
January 1, 2020
Johnjoe Mcfadden
152 citations
Consciousness represents bound or integrated information, but nearly all examples of so-called 'integrated information'—including neuronal processing and conventional computing—are only temporally integrated, meaning outputs correlate with multiple inputs over time rather than being physically integrated in space. Only energy fields can integrate information spatially. The conscious electromagnetic information (cemi) field theory proposes that consciousness is physically integrated, causally active information encoded in the brain's global electromagnetic field, implementing algorithms in space rather than time. The theory accounts for most observed features of consciousness, has recent experimental support, makes untested predictions, and implies a scientific dualism rooted in the difference between matter and energy.
Front Hum Neurosci
March 1, 2024
Tam Hunt, Mostyn Jones, Johnjoe Mcfadden et al.
11 citations
This editorial examines the potential of electromagnetic field theories to explain consciousness, highlighting both promising avenues and significant challenges. It discusses how neural electromagnetic fields might integrate information across brain regions, offering a framework for conscious experience. However, it also addresses obstacles such as the lack of direct causal evidence and difficulties in testing these theories empirically. The piece calls for interdisciplinary collaboration to refine hypotheses and develop experimental approaches that could bridge theoretical gaps.
Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience
January 1, 2025
Johnjoe Mcfadden
The conscious electromagnetic information (CEMI) field theory proposes that the brain operates as a hybrid digital-electromagnetic field computer. Nonconscious processing occurs in the neuronal-synaptic network, which functions like a conventional digital computer using Boolean logic for fast, parallel computations limited to specialized tasks such as motor coordination. Conscious thought arises from the brain's endogenous electromagnetic field, which performs analogue processing through wave interference and integrates information holistically, enabling general intelligence and creativity. Because the electromagnetic field is singular, conscious processing is serial, allowing only one thought at a time. The paper suggests building hybrid computers that combine both digital and electromagnetic field computation to achieve general intelligence and potentially conscious AI.
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland)
December 8, 2023
Johnjoe Mcfadden
A comparison of three theories of consciousness—the conscious electromagnetic information field (cemi field) theory, integrated information theory (IIT), and global workspace theory (GWT)—evaluates how well each predicts which entities, structures, states, and dynamics are conventionally recognized as conscious or nonconscious. The cemi field theory shares features with both IIT and GWT but is argued to be more successful at carving nature at its conventionally accepted joints between conscious and nonconscious systems, making it a more successful theory of consciousness.
Johnjoe Mcfadden
preprint
A comparison of the conscious electromagnetic information field (cemi field) theory with integrated information theory and global workspace theory shows that cemi field theory shares features with both rivals but consistently outperforms them in predicting which entities, structures, states, and dynamics are conscious or nonconscious. The simplest explanation for this superior performance is that the brain's electromagnetic field is consciousness itself.