Consciousness, Redux.
Medical hypotheses March 11, 2020 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109674 via PubMed
Summary
Consciousness is proposed to be a product of the Singularity/Big Bang, arising from the internalization of environmental factors that shaped human physiology. This view requires that consciousness diachronically cuts across space-time and operates on the same data system as cosmology. By recognizing this mechanistic interrelationship, humans can transcend individual consciousness and approach a universal Consciousness by authoring their own software. The hypothesis argues that previous explanations, from Plato to Descartes and Chalmers, lack empirical evidence for what consciousness actually constitutes.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 16 |
| Key finding | Consciousness is a product of the Singularity/Big Bang, functioning on the same data operating system as cosmology, and can be transcended by authoring one's own software. |
Abstract
There have been many attempts to explain consciousness, ranging from Plato's archetypes, to Descartes' 'Mind-Body Dualism', and more recently to Chalmers' Qualia, and Andy Clarke's extended mind. Yet none of these conceptualizations of consciousness provide empiric evidence for what consciousness actually constitutes. The present hypothesis is that Consciousness is a product of the Singularity/Big Bang resulting from the endogenization of factors in the environment that have formed our physiology. Understanding the origin of consciousness as the Consciousness of the Singularity/Big Bang requires that it diachronically cuts across space-time. Consciousness functions based on the same data operating system as Cosmology. We can transcend consciousness and approach Consciousness by authoring our own software once we recognize this fundamental, mechanistic interrelationship.