ULTIMATE COMPUTING - Quantum Consciousness Studies

Brain/Mind/Computer 37
consciousness, this school viewed associative processes as the essential element
of consciousness.
Models of associative memory in neural net computer simulations may be
bolstered by the historical glorification of learning per se, and learning is
important for biological success. Structural correlates of learning in mammalian
brain (discussed in Chapter 4) appear to involve strengthening of specific
synapses brought about by a dynamic reorganization of the neuronal cytoskeleton.
However, as Jaynes observes, learning and consciousness are separate problems.
AI systems can learn, but they clearly are not conscious. Information may be
perceived in human consciousness, exist in short term memory, but fail to be
stored in long term memory-hence no “learning” occurs. Certain drugs, including
some anesthetics and tranquilizers, specifically block long term memory storage
and retrieval in conscious patients. Thus consciousness constitutes more than
learning.
2.2.4 Consciousness as a Metaphysical Imposition
Assessment of the evolutionary link, but intellectual chasm, between civilized
man and apes resulted in a metaphysical view: consciousness could not have
evolved merely by natural selection from assemblages of molecules and cells.
Something must have been added from outside of the closed system to account for
an entity so different as human consciousness. This school was founded by Alfred
R. Wallace, co-discoverer of the theory of natural selection with Charles Darwin.
Wallace believed that some metaphysical force had directed evolution at three
different points: the beginning of life, the beginning of consciousness, and the
beginning of civilized culture. Because Wallace sought evidence for a
metaphysical force among vitalists, spiritualists, and seances, he was discredited
and Darwin became known as the discoverer of evolution.
Some so called vitalists and spiritualists attempted to apply particle/wave
physics to what was then known about cell biology in their search for
consciousness. Like Wallace, they were vilified because they had no proof and
the scientific establishment felt that to explain consciousness by metaphysical
imposition was outside the realm of science.
Modern bioelectromagnetic field theories pertaining to embryology and
consciousness have been proposed by many authors but remain undocumented.
Dynamic nanoscale activities within a cytoskeletal information system could
provide such a field yet be beyond detection by current technologies. Future
nanotechnology may permit detection of these fields, if they exist. The
metaphysical imposition theory, its “vitalist” and particle/wave physics
counterparts remain speculation, but the degree to which they irritate the scientific
establishment is noteworthy. Perhaps it is because they blur the distinction
between science, philosophy and religion. This may presage violent opposition to
the future development of artificial consciousness.
2.2.5 The Helpless Spectator Theory
A materialistic view of the origin of consciousness arose in response to the
metaphysical imposition theory. The helpless spectator theory suggests that life is
like a roller coaster ride and that consciousness does nothing at all, being an
epiphenomenon to important biological activities. As a helpless spectator of
cosmic events, consciousness was described as
the heat given off by wires, colors laid on the surface of a mosaic,
the movement of a train going along tracks that have determined its
destiny, the melody that floats from a harp but cannot pluck its