On the origin of Earth’s Universal BioConsciousness

Summary

This paper proposes a unified framework for the origin of consciousness, termed Earth Universal BioConsciousness, by integrating evolutionary biology, consciousness studies, and philosophy. It presents eight core principles: cell bioconsciousness arises from pre-existing cell bioconsciousness; bioconsciousness evolution precedes genome and organic evolution; universal DNA is a structural correlate of universal bioconsciousness; individual bioconsciousness evolution begins at fertilization; Descartes' 'Cogito ergo sum' is reinterpreted through bioconsciousness; verbal thought depends on bioconsciousness and serves communication; bioconsciousness exists in positive and negative forms; and human-like artificial consciousness is unlikely because bioconsciousness is tied to biological lineage.

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Abstract

The origin of consciousness remains one of the oldest problems in both science and philosophy. Several emerging theories provide new perspectives on the origin and evolution of consciousness, including Cellular Basis of Consciousness (CBC) theory and the Cognition-Based Evolution (CBE) theory. Moreover, declarations such as the New York Declaration on animal consciousness further underscore the need for a unified understanding of consciousness. To bridge this gap, this paper presents a unified framework on the origin of Earth Universal BioConsciousness through the intersection of evolutionary biology, consciousness studies, and philosophy, incorporating the following core principles: (1) Universal BioConsciousness (UBC) theory or BioConsciousness originates from BioConsciousness (BoB) theory states that cell bioconsciousness originates from pre-existing cell bioconsciousness, developing not spontaneously but rather continuously from pre-existing first conscious cell-FUCA; (2) Absolute BioConsciousness and Relative Cell Biomatter (ABC) theory. suggests that bioconsciousness evolution precedes genome and organic evolution: (2.1) Spencer's theory of life states that life precedes organization; (2.2) Minot's theory of biological consciousness is the primary cause of biological evolution; (2.3) Popper's theory of evolutionary hierarchy: functional changes precede structural ones, and evolution proceeds as a cyclical process; (3) Universal Genome Evolution (UGE) theory states that universal DNA is a structural correlate of universal bioconsciousness; in this framework, bioconsciousness is a primary causal agent, directing genetic adaptations; (4) Ontogenetic Evolution of Universal Bioconsciousness (OEUB) theory states that the individual lifetime's evolution of bioconsciousness begins at the moment of egg cell fertilization-zygote; furthermore, (5) The first principle of philosopher Descartes, 'Cogito ergo sum,' gains a novel interpretation through the exploration of relationships between bioconsciousness, verbal thought, and verbal language. Consequently, the (6) Verbal Communication Sense (VCS) theory argues that verbal thought is dependent on bioconsciousness and lacks an independent capacity for thinking; therefore, its primary function is "communication sense''. 7) Positive and Negative BioConsciousness (PNB) theory suggests that unicellular bioconsciousness and multicellular bioconsciousness exist in two forms: positive and negative. Finally, (8) the emergence of human-like artificial consciousness is highly unlikely, as bioconsciousness is tied to biological lineage and does not arise spontaneously.

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