A Classical Probabilistic Computer Model of Consciousness

Consciousness: Quantum or Classical Probabilistic

Our studies of space, time, and matter - the Cosmos - have led us to
nothingness. Consciousness itself is not material. It is also
nothingness. Both Consciousness and the Cosmos are given shape by
laws. The laws structure the “nothingness” and provide the
“nothingness” with features and properties.

In the case of the Cosmos we have made a case for a Quantum
Computer formulation of the fundamental theories of Physics.

In the case of Consciousness we propose that Consciousness be best
viewed within the framework of Classical Probabilistic Computers.

A Classical Probabilistic Computer is a purely classical computer (no
quantum effects) that produces a variety of different outputs from a
given input to the computer. Each possible output has a certain
probability of occurring. The probabilities are all strictly classical -
they are not of quantum mechanical origin.

A Classical Probabilistic Computer can be viewed as:

Classical
Probabilistic

Computer

Figure. A Classical Probabilistic Computer produces one output from a
given input. The output is one of a number of possibilities.

If the same program is run over and over again in a Classical
Probabilistic computer then a variety of outputs will occur. Each
output will appear in the set of outputs with a frequency proportional
to its probability of occurrence.

The reason for suggesting that Consciousness be modeled as a
Classical Probabilistic Computer is based on the following thoughts:

1. Consciousness appears to be a classical phenomenon. If we
consider the properties of the mind there is no convincing
evidence for significant quantum effects. Even if Science
should find isolated quantum phenomena surfacing in
experiments on Consciousness the overwhelming bulk of
the phenomena of Consciousness is still not quantum but
classical in nature.

2. Conscious activity evolves in time through a series of
states. At any given moment Consciousness has billions
upon billions of states that it can evolve into (see reference
32 for graphic descriptions of the time evolution of
conscious states). Given this vast number of possible states
we must treat the evolution of consciousness with time as a
statistical probabilistic phenomenon.

So we conclude that we must treat Consciousness as a classical,
probabilistic phenomena in principle.

The Problem of Consciousness - The Lesson of the Conch
After determining that Consciousness is classical physics and
chemistry and best treated as a statistical probabilistic phenomenon we
confront the overwhelming complexity of Consciousness.

We also confront Nature’s protective mechanisms that may obscure
our understanding of Consciousness. Consider the conch Strombas
gigas.

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