A generic model of consciousness
arXiv Preprint Archive January 2, 2024 via arXiv
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA model of consciousness is presented that addresses the hard problem of what it feels like. The model builds on medical research on the source and mechanisms of feelings, describing a generic framework applicable to humans, animals, and AI. It is fully consistent with medical pathways in humans and centers on the interplay between associative memory and physiology. The model is offered as a clear counterexample to philosophical objections against a scientific explanation of consciousness.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Q-bio.nc Neuroscience Cognitive science Sensory perception |
| Key finding | The essence of the model is the interplay between associative memory and physiology. |
Abstract
This is a model of consciousness. The hard problem of consciousness, what it feels like, is answered. The work builds on medical research analyzing the source and mechanisms associated with our feelings. It goes further by describing a generic model with wide applicability. The model is fully consistent with medical pathways in humans, but easily extends to animals and AI. The essence of the model is the interplay between associative memory and physiology. The model is a clear and concrete counterexample to the famous philosophical objections to a scientific explanation.