Mathematical Approaches in the Scientific Study of Consciousness
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Consciousness Scientific study Scientific modelling Interpretation philosophy Subject documents Epistemology Cognitive science Management science |
| Key points | Argues that mathematical consciousness science is a distinct subfield applying formal methods across experimental, theoretical, conceptual, and methodological domains. |
Abstract
It is perhaps somewhat surprising, from an external point of view, that the scientifc study of consciousness, also known as consciousness science, comprises a host of mathematical models, methods, and questions.This is the case, on the one hand, because it builds on mathematical models and mathematical methods developed in other sciences, for example models of the brain, analysis techniques, modelling procedures, or statistical tests.And it is the case, on the other hand, because consciousness itself is amenable to mathematical description and mathematical representation.As a result, the study and exploration of mathematical topics has become a notable task in consciousness science.It is now known as Mathematical Consciousness Science.Mathematical consciousness science is to consciousness science what mathematical physics is to physics, what mathematical biology is to biology, and what mathematical neuroscience is to neuroscience.It is the application and study of formal and mathematical methods as applied in, or relevant to, the scientifc study of consciousness.Because mathematical methods and mathematical questions appear in experimental, theoretical, conceptual, and methodological domains in consciousness science, mathematical consciousness science comprises experimental, theoretical, conceptual, and methodological questions.This chapter aims to introduce the reader to research in mathematical consciousness science in these four domains, so as to provide them with one initial perspective of what mathematical consciousness science is, and how it contributes to the sci-