Introduction
We’re delving into models of consciousness proposed by scientists in the field of neurology, as well as multidisciplinary teams approaching the phenomenon of consciousness by drawing on insights from other scientific domains, primarily electromagnetics, and quantum physics.
Dehaene–Changeux model
The accelerated development of computers has also enabled modeling through formalized neural networks. A significant example of such an approach is the Dehaene–Changeux model, which can be related to Bernard Baars’ theory of consciousness. This refers to the Global Workspace Theory (GWT). GWT approaches the issue of consciousness as a theater where conscious thoughts are like actors illuminated by stage lights on the main stage. The brain is depicted as a container of numerous specialized processes and modules operating in parallel, with many processes remaining unconscious. The concept of working memory and attention directed towards specific activities and memories is introduced, making them become conscious contents in the global workspace, which is what GW denotes.
Electromagnetic theory of consciousness
Another significant theory is the electromagnetic theory of consciousness, which suggests that consciousness should be treated as an electromagnetic phenomenon that arises when the brain produces an electromagnetic field with certain characteristics.
Quantum theory of consciousness
The previous approach has in some ways been a starting point for theories of quantum mind, which addressed the limitations of approaching the issue from the standpoint of local physical laws and the laws of interaction of classical physics and modeling simple connections of individual neurons which cannot explain consciousness. Authors advocating for the quantum approach start from non-local quantum phenomena such as entanglement and superposition, which can explain some critical phenomena of consciousness where activities in a localized part of the brain have effects at the level of consciousness as a whole. One example of such an approach is the Orch-OR model, which focuses on quantum processes within neurons themselves and gives them equal or greater importance than the connection of individual neurons.
Holographic model and combined approach
On similar grounds, a holographic model has been constructed that approaches consciousness as a hologram, explaining the issue of consciousness with some known properties of holograms.
An important author addressing the issue of consciousness is Dejan Raković from the ETF in Belgrade, who combines various theoretical approaches to the problem and proposes a biophysical quantum-holographic/quantum-relativistic model of consciousness, starting from Hopfield’s associative neural network and Feynman’s propagator version of the Schrödinger equation. This is the basis for the emergence of collective consciousness as a possible ontological property of the physical field.
This has led to the reopening of the topic of the role of consciousness in the interpretation of quantum mechanics, which was debated in the first half of the last century and is still unresolved. Although such and similar approaches may be considered quantum mysticism, we can conclude that theories of consciousness and theories of modern physics are intertwined in such a way that resolution of the question of consciousness cannot be expected until fundamental questions of theoretical physics are resolved, and vice versa.
And finally, let us extend our congratulations to Orthodox believers on Easter. Happy Easter/ Hristos voskrese!
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