Carving Nature at its Joints: A Comparison of CEMI Field Theory with Integrated Information Theory and Global Workspace Theory
preprint DOI: 10.20944/preprints202308.0731.v1 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA 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.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that the conscious electromagnetic information field (cemi field) theory consistently outperforms integrated information theory and global workspace theory in predicting which entities, structures, states, and dynamics support consciousness, and contends that the simplest explanation is that the brain's EM field is consciousness. |
Abstract
The quest to comprehend the nature of consciousness has spurred the development of many theories that seek to explain its underlying mechanisms and account for its neural correlates. In this paper, I compare my own conscious electromagnetic information field (cemi field) theory with integrated information theory and global workspace theory for their ability to ‘carve nature at its joints’ in the sense of predicting the entities, structures, states and dynamics that are conventionally recognized as being conscious or nonconscious. I demonstrate the cemi field theory shares features with both integrated information theory and global workspace theory but consistently outperforms both by correctly predicting the entities, structures, states and dynamics that support consciousness. I argue that the simplest solution to the question of why cemi field theory consistently outperforms rival theories of consciousness is that the brain’s EM field is consciousness.