Model Unity and the Unity of Consciousness: Developments in Expected Float Entropy Minimisation.
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland) October 31, 2021 DOI: 10.3390/e23111444
Summary
The concept of model unity reveals that a single relational model can optimally represent the entirety of a system, providing insights into consciousness. In a preliminary investigation involving four distinct studies, it was shown that while some systems exhibit unity, others may only display it at higher levels. The findings suggest that understanding expected float entropy minimization can clarify why visual experiences feel unified and why individual consciousness varies. This foundational postulate offers a new perspective on the complexities of consciousness, inviting further exploration.
Abstract
The unity of consciousness, or, more precisely, phenomenal unity, is an important property of consciousness and an important area of research in mathematical consciousness science and the scientific study of consciousness. Due to the numerous aspects and complexity of consciousness, the property tends to engender loose or inadequate characterizations. In this article, we introduce the concept and mathematical formulation of model unity. A system has model unity if a single relational model, stretched across the whole system, is optimal. Alternatively, model unity may only be present for subsystems, although there may still be unity at some higher level. As a development in the theory of expected float entropy minimisation, such relational models provide an interpretation of system states and the theory may help to provide insights into questions such as why experience of the visual field is unified and why different people do not have a unified consciousness, for example. This article constitutes a relatively small initial study of model unity. Four investigations were undertaken and are given as examples. A postulate is also given, distilling the foundations of EFE minimisation into a clear statement allowing others to consider whether or not the postulate identifies a self-evident fundamental property of consciousness.