An Adaptational Theory of Consciousness
Charles F. Detmar
Journal of Consciousness Studies January 15, 2022 DOI: 10.53765/20512201.29.1.030 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Proposes that consciousness can be explained by an electromagnetic field theory in which a specific field resonance opens sodium channels to supervise neurons, and that harmonic sounds produce similar field patterns, suggesting pleasure is a type of electromagnetic pattern. Argues this framework connects to free will and the conscious self's construction of meaning. |
Abstract
The adaptational theory of consciousness is a new electromagnetic (EM) field theory of consciousness. It differs from other EM theories by integrating arguments about the mechanism, function, and evolution of consciousness. The development of awareness in the individual is also explained. New hypotheses proposed include (1) a specific resonance of the EM field can open sodium channels, making a strong supervision of neurons possible; and (2) coincidentally, harmonic sounds can produce similar patterns in the EM field. An argument then suggests that the pleasing nature of harmonic sounds reveals something about the physical nature of pleasure as a type of EM pattern. This idea is then linked to free will and to the construction of meaning by the conscious self.