A Compositional Model of Consciousness based on Consciousness-Only
Camilo Miguel Signorelli, Quanlong Wang, Ilyas Khan
arXiv Preprint Archive July 31, 2020 via arXiv
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractConsciousness is treated as fundamental and characterized by other-dependence, meaning conscious processes are defined by their relations to one another. A mathematical framework using compact closed categories is introduced, where morphisms represent conscious processes composed of generators specified by their interrelations. This compositional model may help avoid the hard problem of consciousness and address the combination problem of conscious experiences.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Artificial intelligence cs.ai Neuroscience q-bio.nc Mathematical modeling |
| Key finding | Consciousness can be modeled as a compact closed category where processes are defined by their relations to other processes, potentially avoiding the hard problem and addressing the combination problem. |
Abstract
Scientific studies of consciousness rely on objects whose existence is assumed to be independent of any consciousness. On the contrary, we assume consciousness to be fundamental, and that one of the main features of consciousness is characterized as being other-dependent. We set up a framework which naturally subsumes this feature by defining a compact closed category where morphisms represent conscious processes. These morphisms are a composition of a set of generators, each being specified by their relations with other generators, and therefore co-dependent. The framework is general enough and fits well into a compositional model of consciousness. Interestingly, we also show how our proposal may become a step towards avoiding the hard problem of consciousness, and thereby address the combination problem of conscious experiences.