An Integration of Integrated Information Theory with Fundamental Physics
arXiv Preprint Archive July 3, 2014 preprint
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Q-bio.ot Consciousness theory Electromagnetic fields Neuroscience-physics interface Mind-matter relationship |
| Key points | Proposes that consciousness arises from information intrinsic to fundamental electromagnetic fields, bypassing the need for quantum effects. |
Abstract
To truly eliminate Cartesian ghosts from the science of consciousness, we must describe consciousness as an aspect of the physical. Integrated Information Theory states that consciousness arises from intrinsic information generated by dynamical systems; however existing formulations of this theory are not applicable to standard models of fundamental physical entities. Modern physics has shown that fields are fundamental entities, and in particular that the electromagnetic field is fundamental. Here I hypothesize that consciousness arises from information intrinsic to fundamental fields. This hypothesis unites fundamental physics with what we know empirically about the neuroscience underlying consciousness, and it bypasses the need to consider quantum effects.