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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol. 10, No. 8
Publication Date: August 25, 2023
DOI:10.14738/assrj.108.15266.
Benjamin, C., & Bitetto, P. (2023). Theories of Consciousness and Emergent Technologies: The Impact of Personality on Approaches
to Change and Choice. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 10(8). 289-306.
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
Theories of Consciousness and Emergent Technologies: The Impact of
Personality on Approaches to Change and Choice
Colin Benjamin
BrainPrint Pty Ltd. Melbourne, Australia
Paul Bitetto
BrainPrint Pty Ltd. Melbourne, Australia
ABSTRACT
This article delves into the nature of consciousness, aiming to reconcile conflicting
theories beyond dualism and panpsychism by addressing differences between early
and late adopters of emerging technologies. We propose a new perspective on the
integrity of consciousness that transcends binary divisions and embraces the unity
of all life forms. Their contributions embrace the interplay between subjective and
objective elements, acknowledging that changes and choices arise from complex
interactions between known and unknown broader systemic
influences. Appreciating the synthesis of traditional and progressive elements,
alternative thinkers encourage a dynamic and balanced perspective, where truth is
not confined to a singular perspective but emerges from the richness of diverse
viewpoints. This paves the way for a more inclusive and comprehensive
understanding of attitudes and opinions fostering a greater appreciation for the
intricate interconnectedness of life's complexities.
Keywords: Consciousness, Advanced Relational Meaning System, Dualism, Panpsychism,
Integrated Information Theory, Living Systems Theory, Strategic Life Force Theory,
Technology Development, Cultural and Global Perspectives.
INTRODUCTION
The study of consciousness has long been a subject of profound fascination and debate among
scholars, philosophers, and scientists. Traditionally, the discourse on consciousness has
centred around dualistic and panpsychic perspectives, with each approach raising unique
questions and challenges. However, a deeper exploration into the nature of consciousness calls
for a comprehensive understanding that transcends these binary divisions. This article
endeavours to bridge the gap between conflicting theories and highlight the essential unity of
all life forms, unveiling a new perspective on responses to innovation and technological change.
The Interplay Between Dualism and Panpsychism
Dualism:
Dualism posits a clear distinction between mind and matter, often associating consciousness
exclusively with human brains. We examine Bernard Baars' Global Workspace Theory, Giulio
Tononi's Integrated Information Theory, and Marvin Minsky's Society of Mind, each offering
insights into the nature of consciousness within the realm of dualism.
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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal (ASSRJ) Vol. 10, Issue 8, August-2023
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
In exploring the theories of consciousness within the framework of dualism, we encounter
Bernard Baars' Global Workspace Theory (GWT), Giulio Tononi's Integrated Information
Theory, (IIT) and Marvin Minsky's Society of Mind. Each of these theories grapples with the
fundamental dichotomy between mind and matter while shedding light on the intricacies of
consciousness.
Baars' Global Workspace Theory suggests that consciousness emerges through a global
information-sharing system in the brain, providing a potential bridge between the immaterial
mind and the physical brain. GWT theory suggests that consciousness emerges through a
distributed information processing network, serving as a potential conduit between the
immaterial mind and the physical brain.
Global Workspace Theory suggests that consciousness arises from the dynamic exchange of
information also suggests that cross neural networks offer a potential connection between the
immaterial mind and the material brain (Baars, 2008).
Tononi's Integrated Information Theory proposes that consciousness arises from
integrated, irreducible information, potentially linking the non-physical aspects of
consciousness with the material substrate of the brain.
This perspective offers a potential reconciliation between the dualistic distinction of mind and
matter by demonstrating how the immaterial nature of subjective experience is intricately
linked to the physical architecture and information processing of the brain.
As information becomes more integrated, moving up the scale from lower to medium and then
to higher levels of phi, (Φ), the theory suggests that the level of consciousness increases
correspondingly. The concept of phi not only allows us to measure the level of consciousness
but also potentially provides a bridge between the non-physical aspects of consciousness and
the material substrate of the brain (Tononi, 2012).
Minsky's Society of Mind delves into the idea that consciousness is the result of a complex
interplay between numerous mental agents, raising the possibility of bridging the gap between
the metaphysical and the physical components of consciousness within dualism.
By presenting consciousness as an emergent phenomenon resulting from the collective
behaviour of these mental agents, Minsky's theory hints at how the immaterial mind may arise
from the complex and interconnected activities of the physical brain, providing a potential link
between the two realms and offering a fresh perspective on the nature of consciousness in the
framework of dualism (Minsky 1985).
Within the context of dualism, the theories of consciousness put forth by Bernard Baars, Giulio
Tononi, and Marvin Minsky offer insights into the relationship between mind and matter.
Tononi's nature of consciousness and the physical substrate of the brain as a mechanism of the
human mind.
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Benjamin, C., & Bitetto, P. (2023). Theories of Consciousness and Emergent Technologies: The Impact of Personality on Approaches to Change and
Choice. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 10(8). 289-306.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/assrj.108.15266
Panpsychism:
Panpsychism proposes that consciousness is a universal feature inherent in all matter, not just
limited to human beings. This section explores the contributions of futurist Alvin Toffler,
architect, and thinker Buckminster Fuller, and linguist George Lakoff in the context of
panpsychic interpretations of consciousness.
In the context of panpsychic interpretations of consciousness, the contributions of philosopher
David Chalmers, futurist Alvin Toffler, architect, and theorist Buckminster Fuller, and linguist
George Lakoff offer diverse and thought-provoking perspectives.
David Chalmers' (2002) concept of the "hard problem of consciousness" addresses the
challenge of understanding subjective experience and consciousness itself. His exploration of
consciousness as a fundamental aspect of the universe resonates with panpsychism, which
posits that consciousness is present at all levels of existence, from the micro to the macro.
Alvin Toffler's futurist insights on the accelerating rate of technological change and its impact
on human experience align with the interconnected view of consciousness in panpsychism.
Toffler's ideas suggest that as our relationship with technology evolves, it could potentially
influence and expand our collective consciousness, weaving together both individual and global
experiences (Toffler, 1990).
Buckminster Fuller's holistic approach to architecture and thinking, characterised by his
emphasis on sustainability and synergy with nature, connects with panpsychism's view of
consciousness as an inherent part of the universe. Fuller's vision of "Spaceship Earth" aligns
with the idea of a universal element of consciousness that permeates all living entities, fostering
a deep sense of interconnectedness (Fuller, 1970).
George Lakoff's cognitive linguistics, particularly his research on embodied cognition,
complements panpsychism's perspective on the inseparability of consciousness from the
physical realm. Lakoff's exploration of how our bodily experiences shape our understanding of
the world reinforces the notion that consciousness is not confined to the confines of the brain
but is intimately intertwined with the entire material universe (Lakoff, 1987).
John Searle’s idea is that consciousness is not just an individual phenomenon but also a
form of social reality that emerges from human interactions within communities. In his work
on the "construction of social reality," Searle argues that certain aspects of reality, including
consciousness, are not solely dependent on individual minds but are created and maintained
through shared social agreements and practices. Similarly, Searle contends that consciousness
is a social reality that arises from the shared understanding and communication within human
communities (Searle, 1997).
Together, the contributions of Chalmers, Toffler, Fuller, Lakoff and Searle enrich the panpsychic
interpretation of consciousness, encouraging us to embrace a more holistic worldview,
acknowledging the interconnectedness of all things and considering the role of consciousness
in shaping our responses to environmental changes and choices. Language, as a key element of
social interaction, plays a central role in this process. Through language, individuals