A physical model for phenomenological proto-consciousness as an intrinsic, primary property of matter is introduced. A fundamental particle is characterized as a classic-like system in physical space supplemented with an information space that endows the particle with the capacity of storing and processing incoming information which has causal power on the behaviour of the particle. These features transform the postulated initial random particles into information-theoretic Darwinian physical systems controlled by algorithms susceptible of evolution under natural selection. Consciousness is then defined as the elementary microscopic sentient process of subjectively experiencing a representation of the locations of the surrounding systems that is induced on matter by the irreversible erasure of dynamically superfluous stored information when the particle is measured. A physical description of the possible emergence of both quantum behaviour of matter in accordance with the conventional quantum formalism and consciousness in complex biological systems as a quantum coherence phenomenon is explored.
A physical model for phenomenological proto-consciousness as an intrinsic, primary property of matter is introduced. A fundamental particle is characterized as a classic-like system in physical space supplemented with an information space that endows the particle with the capacity of storing and processing incoming information which has causal power on the behaviour of the particle. These features transform the postulated initial random particles into information-theoretic Darwinian physical systems controlled by algorithms susceptible of evolution under natural selection. Consciousness is then defined as the elementary microscopic sentient process of subjectively experiencing a representation of the locations of the surrounding systems that is induced on matter by the irreversible erasure of dynamically superfluous stored information when the particle is measured. A physical description of the possible emergence of both quantum behaviour of matter in accordance with the conventional quantum formalism and consciousness in complex biological systems as a quantum coherence phenomenon is explored.
A compatibilistic model of free choice for a fundamental particle is built within a general framework that explores the possibility that quantum mechanics be the emergent result of generalised Darwinian evolution acting on the abstract landscape of possible physical theories. The central element in this approach is a probabilistic classical Turing machine –basically an information processor plus a randomiser– methodologically associated with every fundamental particle. In this scheme every system acts not under a general law, but as a consequence of the command of a particular, evolved algorithm. This evolved programme enables the particle to algorithmically anticipate possible future world configurations in information space, and as a consequence, without altering the natural forward causal order in physical space, to incorporate elements to the decision making procedure that are neither purely random nor strictly in the past, but in a possible future.
The natural evolution of consciousness in different animal species mandates that conscious experiences are causally potent in order to confer any advantage in the struggle for survival. Any endeavor to construct a physical theory of consciousness based on emergence within the framework of classical physics, however, leads to causally impotent conscious experiences in direct contradiction to evolutionary theory since epiphenomenal consciousness cannot evolve through natural selection. Here, we review recent theoretical advances in describing sentience and free will as fundamental aspects of reality granted by quantum physical laws. Modern quantum information theory considers quantum states as a physical resource that endows quantum systems with the capacity to perform physical tasks that are classically impossible. Reductive identification of conscious experiences with the quantum information comprised in quantum brain states allows for causally potent consciousness that is capable of performing genuine choices for future courses of physical action. The consequent evolution of brain cortical networks contributes to increased computational power, memory capacity, and cognitive intelligence of the living organisms.
Current models of visual perception typically assume that human vision estimates true properties of physical objects, properties that exist even if unperceived. However, recent studies of perceptual evolution, using evolutionary games and genetic algorithms, reveal that natural selection often drives true perceptions to extinction when they compete with perceptions tuned to fitness rather than truth: Perception guides adaptive behavior; it does not estimate a preexisting physical truth. Moreover, shifting from evolutionary biology to quantum physics, there is reason to disbelieve in preexisting physical truths: Certain interpretations of quantum theory deny that dynamical properties of physical objects have definite values when unobserved. In some of these interpretations the observer is fundamental, and wave functions are compendia of subjective probabilities, not preexisting elements of physical reality. These two considerations, from evolutionary biology and quantum physics, suggest that current models of object perception require fundamental reformulation. Here we begin such a reformulation, starting with a formal model of consciousness that we call a "conscious agent." We develop the dynamics of interacting conscious agents, and study how the perception of objects and space-time can emerge from such dynamics. We show that one particular object, the quantum free particle, has a wave function that is identical in form to the harmonic functions that characterize the asymptotic dynamics of conscious agents; particles are vibrations not of strings but of interacting conscious agents. This allows us to reinterpret physical properties such as position, momentum, and energy as properties of interacting conscious agents, rather than as preexisting physical truths. We sketch how this approach might extend to the perception of relativistic quantum objects, and to classical objects of macroscopic scale.
The article provides a critique of atomistic ontology and reductionism in explaining the nature of life and consciousness. As an alternative direction based on organic ontology, fundamental psychophysical principles and quantum-information approach, the concept of quantum monadology is proposed, the metaphysical foundations of which are given in the works of G. Leibniz and N. Lossky. A model of «elementary intelligence» in complementary unity with the elementary body is proposed. The premise of this representation is the mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics. The wave function is interpreted as a prototype of consciousness, and the observed physical quantities are interpreted as a prototype of the material body of the monad given in its phenomenal experience. The probabilistic nature of the behavior of quantum particles is explained by the objective existence of chance and the activity of quantum objects, which, perhaps, should be considered as a potential basis for the formation of the psyche. To characterize the internal state of the monad, the concept of a color charge is introduced, which has the meaning of a binary information code, and the principle of dynamic complementarity is formulated. A model of the elementary «life cycle» of a quantum monad is constructed. Elementary intelligence is understood as the ability for intellectual activity, including the processing of information significant for life, as a result of which the existence of quantum monads is maintained and reproduced. A substantial justification of quantum Darwinism is given, and a hypothesis about the genesis and co-evolutionary development of the «elementary psyche» and physical body of monads in the process of global evolution is put forward. A conclusion is made about the possibility of constructing a model of quantum behavior and the synergetic interaction of monads that form more complex systems, as well as about the prospect of developing a quantum ontology of matter and consciousness. The construction of a model of «elementary natural intelligence» will contribute to the identification of fundamental ontological limitations in the development of strong artificial intelligence.
An outlined subquantum theory that might be considered a possible extension of Bohmian mechanics is further discussed. In this theory a fundamental physical system is modelled as a particle endowed with a methodological probabilistic classical Turing machine, which characterizes systems as data processing devices, making of information a crucial physical concept in the determination of the system dynamics. The main idea of this theory resides in proposing a Darwinian evolutionary mechanism—therefore based on natural selection—as the central element that would determine the emergence of quantum mechanics from an evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) whose essentials are supposedly captured in three regulating principles. The Darwinian character of these regulating principles is explored.
As first, a mechanism how quantum coherence in the brain can last long enough is shown. This mechanism is based on very light elementary particles. Then the arguments follow as why consciousness should be a quantum phenomenon and how such an introduction of quantum consciousness modifies the formalism of quantum mechanics. This can also be tested by an experiment. Without use of quantum mechanics it is shown how to atomize consciousness and how to explain the Libet experiment, and why a location of feeling of consciousness is an important paradox. It is also shown that panpsychism is an answer to many questions about consciousness. The author claims that consciousness is physically so fundamental that it is not a result of some complex phenomena, but it is so fundamental as quantum physics and space-time.