A new variant of the electromagnetic field theory of consciousness: approaches to empirical confirmation.
Frontiers in neurology January 1, 2024 Wolfram Strupp 5 citations
Electromagnetic (EM) field theories of consciousness propose that an epineural EM field, through its physical binding properties, unifies disparate neuronal information differences from sensory and cognitive processes, enabling phenomenal consciousness. This article examines the physical properties of such a field, arguing that EM interaction provides both integration and necessary differentiating contrasts of information. It presents a new variant of EM field theory that addresses the problem of qualia in connection with emergentism. The author suggests that demonstrating the epineural EM field's decisive role in consciousness would reduce the need for metaphysical assumptions about the binding problem. An experimental method using shielding of EM fields, rather than external stimuli, is proposed to test the theory without affecting wired neuronal processing.