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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.

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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

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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.