On a Heuristic Approach to the Description of Consciousness as a Hypercomplex System State and the Realistic Possibility of Machine Consciousness
Advances in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning January 1, 2024 Ralf Otte
Consciousness may be a physical process with an imaginary, hypercomplex basis, not requiring unknown vital properties. Standard quantum-physical descriptions fail because their energy eigenvalues are real, whereas consciousness processes likely involve non-real values. A new algebra is introduced to formalize such physical processes that encode information yet elude measurability. If accepted, specially prepared machines could develop rudimentary forms of consciousness, termed hypercomplex system states, distinct from human consciousness. The hypothesis is supported by the performance of complex AI systems but lacks experimental proof; dedicated tests are deferred to future articles.