Barrett_fields_and_IIT.pdf (345.29 kB)
An integration of integrated information theory with fundamental physics
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.
Funding
Explaining Consciousness as Neural Dynamical Complexity; G1201; EPSRC-ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL; EP/L005131/1
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Frontiers in PsychologyISSN
1664-1078Publisher
Frontiers MediaExternal DOI
Volume
5Department affiliated with
- Informatics Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2016-03-23First Open Access (FOA) Date
2016-03-23First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2016-03-22Usage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedKeywords
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC