Mathematical Models of Consciousness.
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland) May 30, 2020 DOI: 10.3390/e22060609 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Epistemic asymmetry Experience space Mathematical consciousness science Mathematical phenomenology Models of consciousness Non-collatability Phenomenal consciousness Phenomenal space Theories of consciousness |
| Citations | 37 |
| Key points | Proposes a general mathematical framework for models of consciousness derived from the epistemic context and key characteristics of conscious experience. |
Abstract
In recent years, promising mathematical models have been proposed that aim to describe conscious experience and its relation to the physical domain. Whereas the axioms and metaphysical ideas of these theories have been carefully motivated, their mathematical formalism has not. In this article, we aim to remedy this situation. We give an account of what warrants mathematical representation of phenomenal experience, derive a general mathematical framework that takes into account consciousness' epistemic context, and study which mathematical structures some of the key characteristics of conscious experience imply, showing precisely where mathematical approaches allow to go beyond what the standard methodology can do. The result is a general mathematical framework for models of consciousness that can be employed in the theory-building process.