The maps of meaning consciousness theory.
Frontiers in psychology January 1, 2024 Scott Andersen
Consciousness arises from multiple goals for action and their continuous adjudication to implement behavior, a framework called the maps of meaning (MoM) theory. The theory proposes that an organism's goals are not intentional but emerge from Darwinian inclusive fitness—randomization and survival of the fittest—as embodiment meets the world. These goals form through gradual descent under inclusive fitness, matching the evolutionary environment. Human consciousness implements the brain efficiency hypothesis, driven by genetics, epigenetics, and experience-crystallized efficiencies that are objectively arbitrary but determine consciousness's operation and level, termed extreme thrownness. Perception is the operant process of consciousness, involving information intake and discrimination based on Bayesian priors of efficiency. Consciousness is modular and dimensionalized, with meta dimensions including intelligence quotient, personality, richness of perception intake, and discrimination.