Consciousness - Revision history

Fractalguy: /* Can Thinking Exist Without Doing? */

2026-03-17T16:20:43Z

Can Thinking Exist Without Doing?

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:20, 17 March 2026
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	A more interesting question than the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_problem_of_consciousness hard problem of consciousness] is the question of whether consciousness can exist without the "Output" side of the stimulus/response cycle. If there is no action being taken on the [[information]] being processed, is it still possible for the [[feedback loop]] between the Input and Processing stages to generate consciousness?		A more interesting question than the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_problem_of_consciousness hard problem of consciousness] is the question of whether consciousness can exist without the "Output" side of the stimulus/response cycle. If there is no action being taken on the [[information]] being processed, is it still possible for the [[feedback loop]] between the Input and Processing stages to generate consciousness?

	While the majority of articles on the subject focuses on the hard problem of consciousness (and the latest fad of using Panpsychism to "solve" it) rather than this particular aspect , there are some that address this issue in part. [https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/there-is-no-such-thing-as-conscious-thought/] [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9177348/] [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053810019301436]		While the majority of articles on the subject focuses on the hard problem of consciousness (and the latest fad of using Panpsychism to "solve" it) rather than this particular aspect, there are some that address this issue in part. [https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/there-is-no-such-thing-as-conscious-thought/] [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9177348/] [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053810019301436]

	Imagine a [[brain]] in a jar, attached to a camera, microphone, and other equipment that provides the ability to "sense" its environment. But it has no way to interact in any way, and none of the biofeedback mechanisms attached to the body are active (never feel hungry, thirsty, have to pee, etc.). It's all inputs and no outputs.		Imagine a [[brain]] in a jar, attached to a camera, microphone, and other equipment that provides the ability to "sense" its environment. But it has no way to interact in any way, and none of the biofeedback mechanisms attached to the body are active (never feel hungry, thirsty, have to pee, etc.). It's all inputs and no outputs.
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	Of course the hypothetical is absurd since our [[brains]] are so inextricably tied to the bodies they [[evolved]] in. But an [[artificial intelligence]] could be devised that is very similar to this.		Of course the hypothetical is absurd since our [[brains]] are so inextricably tied to the bodies they [[evolved]] in. But an [[artificial intelligence]] could be devised that is very similar to this.

			[https://bigthinkmedia.substack.com/p/the-key-problem-with-the-brain-in Here's a Big Think article saying something similar].

	== Consciousness Exists in the Moment ==		== Consciousness Exists in the Moment ==

Fractalguy: /* Visualizing Consciousness */

2025-12-01T03:49:27Z

Visualizing Consciousness

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:49, 1 December 2025
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	== Visualizing Consciousness ==		== Visualizing Consciousness ==
			[[File:Aphantasia-meme-this-mf-cant-conjure-an-apple.jpeg\|right\|frameless\|300x300px]]
	The way we experience consciousness can be very different for different people. This episode of [https://www.youtube.com/@InnerCosmosPod Inner Cosmos] explores the differences in our ability to create mental images, or lack thereof (called [[wikipedia:Aphantasia\|aphantasia]]).		The way we experience consciousness can be very different for different people. This episode of [https://www.youtube.com/@InnerCosmosPod Inner Cosmos] explores the differences in our ability to create mental images, or lack thereof (called [[wikipedia:Aphantasia\|aphantasia]]).

			The most common test for aphantasia is to picture an apple in your mind. If you can vividly picture a realistic apple you have a score of 1 on a 1-5 scale. The visual gets progressively less detailed in 2-4, with 5 being no visual at all.

	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RIZZn_jeIo\|\|center\|Do you visualize like I do?\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RIZZn_jeIo\|\|center\|Do you visualize like I do?\|frame}}

Fractalguy: /* Integrated Information Theory and Global Workspace Theory */

2025-03-30T23:17:14Z

Integrated Information Theory and Global Workspace Theory

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:17, 30 March 2025
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	=== Integrated Information Theory and Global Workspace Theory ===		=== Integrated Information Theory and Global Workspace Theory ===
	The latest theories of consciousness to get serious consideration are [https://www.quantamagazine.org/neuroscience-readies-for-a-showdown-over-consciousness-ideas-20190306/ Integrated Information Theory and Global Workspace Theory]. There ~~is particular~~ buzz around the Templeton Foundation ~~prize~~ to see which one has the most predictive ability. However, these are simply two valid perspectives that capture pieces of what consciousness is, not a robust solution to the hard problem.		The latest theories of consciousness to get serious consideration are [https://www.quantamagazine.org/neuroscience-readies-for-a-showdown-over-consciousness-ideas-20190306/ Integrated Information Theory and Global Workspace Theory]. There was a lot of buzz around these theories due to the Templeton Foundation's contest to see which one has the most predictive ability. However, these are simply two valid perspectives that capture pieces of what consciousness is, not a robust solution to the hard problem.

	[[wikipedia:Integrated_information_theory\|Integrated Information Theory]] is interesting because it offers a [[Benchmarks\|benchmark]] for consciousness that allows for a spectrum that includes anything from basic life forms to human [[brains]] to [[artificial intelligence]]. However, it is often criticized for being overly broad, leading some to make inferences of panpsychism that are more metaphysical than scientific.		[[wikipedia:Integrated_information_theory\|Integrated Information Theory]] is interesting because it offers a [[Benchmarks\|benchmark]] for consciousness that allows for a spectrum that includes anything from basic life forms to human [[brains]] to [[artificial intelligence]]. However, it is often criticized for being overly broad, leading some to make inferences of panpsychism that are more metaphysical than scientific.
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	Neither theory fully explains consciousness, but they can both help us see the big picture of what consciousness is.		Neither theory fully explains consciousness, but they can both help us see the big picture of what consciousness is.

	Global Workspace Theory likely has things backwards regarding experience and control. It suggests that conscious thought is able to exert control over the other systems in the brain and body. What is more likely the case is that consciousness is a reflection of the brain's internal self-training mechanisms. For example, when you think to yourself "I'm hungry I should go get something to eat" your subconscious has already made the decision to head to the fridge and you are simply becoming aware of that. Global Workspace Theory suggests that the thought is what initiates the action, but the reverse is more likely.		Global Workspace Theory likely has things backwards regarding [[Subjective\|experience]] and control. It suggests that conscious thought is able to exert control over the other systems in the [[brain]] and body. What is more likely the case is that consciousness is a reflection of the [[brain]]'s internal self-training mechanisms. For example, when you think to yourself "I'm hungry I should go get something to eat" your subconscious has already made the decision to head to the fridge, and you are simply becoming aware of that. Global Workspace Theory suggests that the thought is what initiates the action, but the reverse is more likely. This is probably why it didn't win the Templeton contest.

	=== Other Theories of Consciousness ===		=== Other Theories of Consciousness ===

Fractalguy: /* Integrated Information Theory and Global Workspace Theory */

2025-03-30T23:14:38Z

Integrated Information Theory and Global Workspace Theory

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:14, 30 March 2025
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	=== Integrated Information Theory and Global Workspace Theory ===		=== Integrated Information Theory and Global Workspace Theory ===
	The latest theories of consciousness to get serious consideration are [https://www.quantamagazine.org/neuroscience-readies-for-a-showdown-over-consciousness-ideas-20190306/ Integrated Information Theory and Global Workspace Theory]. There is particular buzz around the Templeton Foundation prize to see which one has the most predictive ability. However, these are simply two valid perspectives that capture pieces of what consciousness is, not a robust solution to the hard problem.		The latest theories of consciousness to get serious consideration are [https://www.quantamagazine.org/neuroscience-readies-for-a-showdown-over-consciousness-ideas-20190306/ Integrated Information Theory and Global Workspace Theory]. There is particular buzz around the Templeton Foundation prize to see which one has the most predictive ability. However, these are simply two valid perspectives that capture pieces of what consciousness is, not a robust solution to the hard problem.

			[[wikipedia:Integrated_information_theory\|Integrated Information Theory]] is interesting because it offers a [[Benchmarks\|benchmark]] for consciousness that allows for a spectrum that includes anything from basic life forms to human [[brains]] to [[artificial intelligence]]. However, it is often criticized for being overly broad, leading some to make inferences of panpsychism that are more metaphysical than scientific.

			[[wikipedia:Global_workspace_theory\|Global Workspace Theory]] suggests that consciousness is a "broadcast" mechanism that allows for top-down control of the [[neural network]] based on whatever our attention is focused on. It is more focused on how the activity in the conscious [[mind]] coordinates and controls the many subconscious processes operating in parallel inside the [[brain]].

			Neither theory fully explains consciousness, but they can both help us see the big picture of what consciousness is.

			Global Workspace Theory likely has things backwards regarding experience and control. It suggests that conscious thought is able to exert control over the other systems in the brain and body. What is more likely the case is that consciousness is a reflection of the brain's internal self-training mechanisms. For example, when you think to yourself "I'm hungry I should go get something to eat" your subconscious has already made the decision to head to the fridge and you are simply becoming aware of that. Global Workspace Theory suggests that the thought is what initiates the action, but the reverse is more likely.

	=== Other Theories of Consciousness ===		=== Other Theories of Consciousness ===

Fractalguy: /* What Is Consciousness */

2025-03-30T03:20:50Z

What Is Consciousness

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:20, 30 March 2025
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	It doesn't matter what form these components take (biological, digital, other). Consciousness comes from the combination of all four components acting in real-time.		It doesn't matter what form these components take (biological, digital, other). Consciousness comes from the combination of all four components acting in real-time.

			=== Integrated Information Theory and Global Workspace Theory ===
			The latest theories of consciousness to get serious consideration are [https://www.quantamagazine.org/neuroscience-readies-for-a-showdown-over-consciousness-ideas-20190306/ Integrated Information Theory and Global Workspace Theory]. There is particular buzz around the Templeton Foundation prize to see which one has the most predictive ability. However, these are simply two valid perspectives that capture pieces of what consciousness is, not a robust solution to the hard problem.

	=== Other Theories of Consciousness ===		=== Other Theories of Consciousness ===
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	* [[wikipedia:Consciousness\|Consciousness Wikipedia Page]]		* [[wikipedia:Consciousness\|Consciousness Wikipedia Page]]
	* [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hot-thought/202406/explaining-the-nbc-theory-of-consciousness Explaining the NBC Theory of Consciousness]		* [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hot-thought/202406/explaining-the-nbc-theory-of-consciousness Explaining the NBC Theory of Consciousness]
	* [https://www.quantamagazine.org/neuroscience-readies-for-a-showdown-over-consciousness-ideas-20190306/ Integrated Information Theory and Global Workspace Theory]

	== Desirable States of Consciousness ==		== Desirable States of Consciousness ==

Fractalguy: /* Other Theories of Consciousness */

2025-03-25T10:57:53Z

Other Theories of Consciousness

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:57, 25 March 2025
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	* [[wikipedia:Consciousness\|Consciousness Wikipedia Page]]		* [[wikipedia:Consciousness\|Consciousness Wikipedia Page]]
	* [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hot-thought/202406/explaining-the-nbc-theory-of-consciousness Explaining the NBC Theory of Consciousness]		* [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hot-thought/202406/explaining-the-nbc-theory-of-consciousness Explaining the NBC Theory of Consciousness]
			* [https://www.quantamagazine.org/neuroscience-readies-for-a-showdown-over-consciousness-ideas-20190306/ Integrated Information Theory and Global Workspace Theory]

	== Desirable States of Consciousness ==		== Desirable States of Consciousness ==

Fractalguy: /* Visualizing Consciousness */

2025-02-10T19:02:24Z

Visualizing Consciousness

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:02, 10 February 2025
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	== Visualizing Consciousness ==		== Visualizing Consciousness ==
	The way we experience consciousness can be very different for different people. This episode of [https://www.youtube.com/@InnerCosmosPod Inner Cosmos] explores the differences in our ability to create mental images, or lack thereof (called ''aphantasia'').		The way we experience consciousness can be very different for different people. This episode of [https://www.youtube.com/@InnerCosmosPod Inner Cosmos] explores the differences in our ability to create mental images, or lack thereof (called [[wikipedia:Aphantasia\|aphantasia]]).

	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RIZZn_jeIo\|\|center\|Do you visualize like I do?\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RIZZn_jeIo\|\|center\|Do you visualize like I do?\|frame}}

Fractalguy at 19:01, 10 February 2025

2025-02-10T19:01:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:01, 10 February 2025
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	[[File:Consciousness-Mind-Brain-Panpsychism.jpeg\|thumb\|A not-quite-conscious [[AI]] thinking of consciousness]]		[[File:Consciousness-Mind-Brain-Panpsychism.jpeg\|thumb\|A not-quite-conscious [[AI]] thinking of consciousness]]
	This page offers a simple, direct explanation of consciousness based on [[Gödel\|Hofstadter's "strange loop" theory described in Gödel, Escher, Bach]]. Some simple [[metaphors]] are used to help visualize different states of consciousness, and how the components of consciousness build on each other to create our [[subjective]] experience. The actual workings of the [[brain]] are far more complex than what is described here, but thinking about consciousness in these terms will make the [[wikipedia:Hard_problem_of_consciousness\|hard problem of consciousness]] seem a lot easier.		This page offers a simple, direct explanation of consciousness based on [[Gödel\|Hofstadter's "strange loop" theory described in Gödel, Escher, Bach]]. <blockquote>''"I need one of those baby monitors from my subconscious to my consciousness so I can know what the hell I'm really thinking about."'' -[[wikipedia:Steven_Wright\|Steven Wright]]</blockquote>Some simple [[metaphors]] are used to help visualize different states of consciousness, and how the components of consciousness build on each other to create our [[subjective]] experience. The actual workings of the [[brain]] are far more complex than what is described here, but thinking about consciousness in these terms will make the [[wikipedia:Hard_problem_of_consciousness\|hard problem of consciousness]] seem a lot easier.

	== What Is Consciousness ==		== What Is Consciousness ==

Fractalguy: /* Mindfulness */

2025-02-09T13:25:41Z

Mindfulness

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:25, 9 February 2025
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	The practice of [[mindfulness]] also refers to intentionality and presence when performing any activity, which focuses the thought process on the task at hand ahead of time to maximize effectiveness and enjoyment in the moment. In this case processing is happening in advance so it doesn't need to be done in real time. This also helps in achieving ''flow''.		The practice of [[mindfulness]] also refers to intentionality and presence when performing any activity, which focuses the thought process on the task at hand ahead of time to maximize effectiveness and enjoyment in the moment. In this case processing is happening in advance so it doesn't need to be done in real time. This also helps in achieving ''flow''.

	Mindfulness is desirable because it allows us to maximize our natural [[emotional]] responses to the present situation without being distracted by irrelevant or intrusive thoughts.		Mindfulness is desirable because it allows us to maximize our natural [[emotional]] responses to the present situation without being distracted by irrelevant or intrusive thoughts.<blockquote>I have learned to be still

	[https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/seeking-serenity-part-1/ Hidden Brain - Seeking Serenity - Part 1] & [https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/seeking-serenity-part-2/ Part 2]		I have learned that I don’t have to go anywhere

			to find the center of the universe

			Anything can be that center

			-Opening to "[https://www.bostonreview.net/articles/thylias-moss-wannabe-hoochie-mama/ Wannabe Hoochie Mama Gallery of Realities’ Red Dress Code]"

			by [[wikipedia:Thylias_Moss\|Thylias Moss]]</blockquote>[https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/seeking-serenity-part-1/ Hidden Brain - Seeking Serenity - Part 1] & [https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/seeking-serenity-part-2/ Part 2]

	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyiwVwwjFtQ\|\|center\|Introduction to Mindfulness\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyiwVwwjFtQ\|\|center\|Introduction to Mindfulness\|frame}}

Fractalguy at 11:45, 15 January 2025

2025-01-15T11:45:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:45, 15 January 2025
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	[[File:Consciousness-Mind-Brain-Panpsychism.jpeg\|thumb\|A not-quite-conscious AI thinking of consciousness]]		[[File:Consciousness-Mind-Brain-Panpsychism.jpeg\|thumb\|A not-quite-conscious [[AI]] thinking of consciousness]]
	This page offers a simple, direct explanation of consciousness based on [[Gödel\|Hofstadter's "strange loop" theory described in Gödel, Escher, Bach]]. Some simple [[metaphors]] are used to help visualize different states of consciousness, and how the components of consciousness build on each other to create our [[subjective]] experience. The actual workings of the [[brain]] are far more complex than what is described here, but thinking about consciousness in these terms will make the [[wikipedia:Hard_problem_of_consciousness\|hard problem of consciousness]] seem a lot easier.		This page offers a simple, direct explanation of consciousness based on [[Gödel\|Hofstadter's "strange loop" theory described in Gödel, Escher, Bach]]. Some simple [[metaphors]] are used to help visualize different states of consciousness, and how the components of consciousness build on each other to create our [[subjective]] experience. The actual workings of the [[brain]] are far more complex than what is described here, but thinking about consciousness in these terms will make the [[wikipedia:Hard_problem_of_consciousness\|hard problem of consciousness]] seem a lot easier.