Mathematical Models of Consciousness.
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland) May 30, 2020 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.3390/e22060609 via PubMed
Summary
A general mathematical framework for models of consciousness is proposed, which addresses the need for a rigorous mathematical representation of conscious experience. This framework considers the epistemic context of consciousness and identifies mathematical structures that reflect key characteristics of conscious experience. The findings indicate that these mathematical approaches can extend beyond traditional methodologies in understanding consciousness.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | The article presents a general mathematical framework for models of consciousness that enhances theory-building by incorporating the epistemic context of consciousness. |
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Abstract
In recent years, promising mathematical models have been proposed that aim to describe conscious experience and its relation to the physical domain. Whereas the axioms and metaphysical ideas of these theories have been carefully motivated, their mathematical formalism has not. In this article, we aim to remedy this situation. We give an account of what warrants mathematical representation of phenomenal experience, derive a general mathematical framework that takes into account consciousness' epistemic context, and study which mathematical structures some of the key characteristics of conscious experience imply, showing precisely where mathematical approaches allow to go beyond what the standard methodology can do. The result is a general mathematical framework for models of consciousness that can be employed in the theory-building process.