[ExI] A new theory of consciousness: conditionalism

[Jason Resch]

I would like to propose a theory of consciousness which I think might have
some merit, but more importantly I would like to see what criticism others
might have for it.

I have chosen the name "conditionalism" for this theory, as it is based
loosely on the notion of conditional statements as they appear in both
regular language, mathematics, and programming languages.

At a high level, states of consciousness are states of knowledge, and
knowledge is embodied by the existence of some relation to some truth.

A conditional is a means by which a system can enter/reach a state of
knowledge (i.e. a state of consciousness) if and only if some fact is true.
A simple example using a programming language:

if (x >= 5) then {
   // knowledge state of x being greater than or equal to 5
}

I think this way of considering consciousness, as that existing between
those two braces: { } can explain a lot.

1. Consciousness is revealed as an immaterial, ephemeral relation, not any
particular physical thing we can point at or hold.

2. It provides for a straight-forward way to bind complex states of
consciousness, though conjunction, for example:
If (a and b) {
    // knowledge of the simultaneous truth of both a and b
}
This allows states of consciousness to be arbitrarily complex and varied.

3. It explains the causal efficacy of states of consciousness. All we need
to do is link some action to a state of knowledge. Consciousness is then
seen as antecedent to, and a prerequisite for, any intelligent behavior.
For example:
If (light == color.red) {
    slowDown();
}

4. It shows the close relationship between consciousness and information,
where information is defined as "a difference that makes a difference", as
conditionals are all about what differences make which differences.

5. It shows a close relationship between consciousness and
computationalism, since computations are all about counterfactual and
conditional relations.

6. It is also supportive of functionalism and it's multiple realizability,
as there are many possibile physical arrangements that lead to conditionals.

7. It's clear there neural networks firings is all about conditionals and
combining them in whether or not a neuron will fire and which other neurons
have fired binds up many conditional relations into one larger one.

8. It seems no intelligent (reactive, deliberative, contemplative,
reflective, etc.) process can be made that does not contain at least some
conditionals. As without them, there can be no responsiveness. This
explains the biological necessity to evolve conditionals and apply them in
the guidance of behavior. In other words, consciousness (states of
knowledge) would be strictly necessary for intelligence to evolve.


Jason
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