True Consciousness Science Requires Strongly Dynamically-Unorthodox Physics

Abstract

Whether there can be a science of consciousness is both of the utmost importance, and a matter of intense current debate in the field. Recently, two major papers seemed to reach dramatically conflicting conclusions, one denying scientific method currently exists in the field, the other promoting a way to ‘make the hard problem easier’. Here I apply uncontroversial mathematical physics together with a new symbolism for conscious experience, to decisively resolve this issue. Under dynamically-orthodox physics (e.g. current physical theory), there can’t be a scientifically-reliable approach. But under a strong form of dynamically-unorthodox physics, subjective report is not provably unreliable, thus meeting the minimal necessary conditions for a true science. Implications for the epistemological foundations of science are briefly discussed. (For a more accessible, publication-friendly, presentation of this article's approach, please see https://psyarxiv.com/c67x9/.)