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Amplifying Phenomenal Information: Toward a Fundamental Theory of Consciousness

Gabora, Liane (1999) Amplifying Phenomenal Information: Toward a Fundamental Theory of Consciousness. [Journal (Paginated)]

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Abstract

Fundamental approaches bypass the problem of getting consciousness from non-conscious components by positing that consciousness is a universal primitive. For example, the double aspect theory of information holds that information has a phenomenal aspect. How then do you get from phenomenal information to human consciousness? This paper proposes that an entity is conscious to the extent it amplifies information, first by trapping and integrating it through closure, and second by maintaining dynamics at the edge of chaos through simultaneous processes of divergence and convergence. The origin of life through autocatalytic closure, and the origin of an interconnected worldview through conceptual closure, induced phase transitions in the degree to which information, and thus consciousness, is locally amplified. Divergence and convergence of cognitive information may involve phenomena observed in light e.g. focusing, interference, and resonance. By making information flow inward-biased, closure shields us from external consciousness; thus the paucity of consciousness may be an illusion.

Item Type:Journal (Paginated)
Keywords:abstract thought, amplification, closure, combination problem, concept, consciousness, context, double aspect theory, edge of chaos, episodic mind, focus, holographic memory, information, interference, light, modern mind, origin of life, panpsychism, phase transition, quantum mechanics, resonance, superposition, symbolic threshold.
Subjects:Computer Science > Dynamical Systems
Neuroscience > Neural Modelling
Biology > Animal Cognition
Computer Science > Complexity Theory
Psychology > Cognitive Psychology
Philosophy > Philosophy of Mind
ID Code:2547
Deposited By: Gabora, Dr. Liane
Deposited On:22 Oct 2002
Last Modified:11 Mar 2011 08:55

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