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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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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
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communicate their inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences, allowing others to grasp and
recognise the conscious states of each other.
EMBRACING THE NATURE OF THIRDNESS
Thirdness refers to the concept of a new emergent quality arising from the interaction of two
elements, in this case, the individual minds contributing to the Noosphere. The boundary sub- system, on the other hand, deals with the flexible borders and interactions between different
systems, reflecting the interconnectedness and fluidity of the collective consciousness of Carl
Jung and the triadic models of Sigmund Freud’s Id, Ego and Superego Georg Simmel’s conflict
theories and John Miller’s external energy, boundary-subsystems, and internal processes.
C. S. Pierce’s Thirdness
Charles Sanders Pierce introduced the concept of "Thirdness," representing the mediating force
between dualistic elements. By examining Pierce's philosophy, we discover a path to resolve
the conflict between dualism and panpsychism, enabling a more unified understanding of
consciousness (Pierce, 1966).
Carl Jung
Carl Jung’s exposition of consciousness and unconsciousness aligns with the integrated
information systems proposed by Bernard Baars' Global Workspace Theory (GWT) and Giulio
Tononi's Integrated Information Theory (IIT). Jung conceptualised consciousness as a dynamic
interplay between the personal conscious mind and the collective unconscious. In this view, the
conscious mind, represented by Baars' global workspace, is the focal point of awareness,
actively processing and sharing information.
Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud’s (1923) elaboration of fundamental mental processes of unconscious,
preconscious and conscious decision states align with the integrated information systems
proposed by Bernard Baars' Global Workspace Theory (GWT) and Giulio Tononi's Integrated
Information Theory (IIT) bringing together Jung, Freud and Simmel to provide a psychological
and sociological approach to information integration that generates levels of
consciousness. Freud proposed a tripartite model of the mind consisting of the id, ego, and
superego.
The id represents the primal and instinctual part of the mind, driven by basic desires and
pleasure-seeking tendencies. It operates on the pleasure principle and seeks immediate
gratification of its needs. In the family context, the id might be associated with the child, as it
embodies the raw and impulsive nature, seeking fulfillment without consideration of
consequences.
The ego is the rational and reality-oriented aspect of the mind. It develops as a mediator
between the id and the external world, seeking to balance desires with the demands of reality.
In the family setting, the ego represents the individual's efforts to adapt to social norms and
expectations, allowing for harmonious interactions among family members.
The superego serves as the internalised moral compass, representing societal norms, values,
and parental influences. It is responsible for moral judgments and the internalisation of cultural
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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
and family values. In the context of family dynamics, the superego reflects the influence of
parents and caregivers, shaping the child's understanding of right and wrong and guiding their
behaviour.
Freud's tripartite model of consciousness suggests that the development of a holistic person is
influenced by the interactions and dynamics within the family unit. The id, ego, and superego
represent different facets of the individual's mind, each contributing to the creation of
consciousness as a complex interplay of desires, rationality, and moral considerations.
Georg Simmel
Georg Simmel’s concept of "social distance" is relevant in the context of consciousness and
conflict resolution. Social distance refers to the psychological and emotional space individuals
create between themselves and others. In a conflict situation, individuals may use social
distance to create mental space to process their emotions, think critically about the situation,
and plan a resolution strategy.
Although Simmel did not explicitly discuss consciousness as conflict resolution, his emphasis
on the importance of subjective experiences and the active role of individuals in shaping their
own reality provides a basis for understanding how consciousness can influence conflict
resolution processes. In modern sociological and psychological studies, researchers often
explore the role of consciousness, self-awareness, and introspection in conflict resolution and
decision-making (Simmel, 1987).
This concept aligns with the notion that consciousness involves the processing of information,
thoughts, emotions, and perceptions that influence human actions and decision-making that
are experienced as both internal subjective experiences of similarities and differences with
other people and the learning of meaning and interaction between self and others as an
objective reality that extends beyond individuals, groups, and communities of interest.
John Miller’s Boundary Sub-System
John Miller's work on the Boundary sub-system in living systems provides a framework for
comprehending how consciousness transcends individual entities and extends to the
interconnectedness of all life forms. This concept allows us to explore the integrity of
consciousness as a systemic property, beyond the limitations of individual organisms.
Miller's work on the Boundary sub-system in Living Systems provides a compelling framework
for understanding how consciousness extends beyond individual entities and encompasses the
interconnectedness of all life forms. The Boundary sub-system refers to the flexible and
dynamic boundaries that demarcate the individual organism from its environment while
facilitating continuous exchanges of information and energy (Miller, 1978).
A wider non-mechanistic appreciation of consciousness as a life force like energy and
information, offers an alternative explanation of the relationships between objec4ive and
subjective experiences.
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SYNTHESISING CONTRIBUTIONS
Crossing the discipline and theoretical approaches to consciousness moves across limiting sets
of boundaries and forms of representative consciousness within the Noosphere, allowing for
novel connections and insights to emerge.
Teilhard De Chardin’s Noosphere
The concept of the Noosphere presents a fascinating approach to the emergence of
consciousness, proposing that there exists a sphere of consciousness that encompasses the
collective mental activity of humanity. The Noosphere represents the realm of interconnected
thoughts, ideas, and knowledge shared by individuals across the globe, forming a global
network of consciousness (De Chardin, 1955).
This idea complements the notions of thirdness and the boundary sub-system, as introduced
by John Miller’s Living Systems Theory.
Edward De Bono’s Lateral Thinking
The concept of lateral thinking provides a complementary approach to understanding
consciousness by encouraging individuals to break free from binary thought patterns. By
promoting creativity, open-mindedness, and the exploration of unconventional ideas, lateral
thinking expands our understanding of consciousness beyond rigid categories and
preconceptions (De Bono, 1970).
This approach encompasses diverse perspectives, unlocking the potential of innovation and
creative responses that go beyond the boundaries of prior experience to generate new and
different levels of consciousness and creative evolutionary forces experienced as
consciousness.
Marvin Minsky’s Society of Mind
This concept offers a unique and comprehensive perspective on the human mind and its
relationship with the objective, external reality and the social construction of reality that
emerges from interactions within society. In his theory, Minsky proposes that the mind is not a
single unified entity but rather a society-like arrangement of numerous mental agents or
"agents" that work together to create our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
This posits that each agent is responsible for specific cognitive tasks, and their interactions and
cooperation give rise to the complexity of human consciousness.
John Searle
John Searle explores the idea 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.
Searle contends that consciousness is a social reality that arises from the shared understanding
and communication within human communities. Language, as a key element of social
interaction, plays a central role in this process. Through language, individuals communicate
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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
their inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences, allowing others to grasp and recognise the
conscious states of each other.
This process generates consciousness as a shared reality within a community, crossing
boundaries of individual minds, groups and shared communities of interest, language and
survival and integrating shared language, meaning in a social context.
Pitirim Sorokin
Pitirim Sorokin’s "Society, Culture, and Personality” further extends the frame of reference
on the emergence of consciousness across time and cultures, particularly in the context of what
he called "social heritage" and "social consciousness."
According to Sorokin, social heritage refers to the accumulated knowledge, beliefs, values,
customs, and traditions passed down through generations within a society. This repository of
collective wisdom forms the basis of culture and influences the development of individual
consciousness. As individuals grow and interact within a particular society, they internalise the
social heritage, shaping their perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours (Sorokin, 1985).
This process results in a shared worldview and a collective unconscious, which Sorokin argues
is an essential factor in understanding the commonalities and patterns that transcend
individual consciousness.
TOWARDS AN INTEGRATED THEORETICAL APPROACH
Synthesising these wider views with those of the neuroscientists, philosophers and
psychologists presents a framework for embracing the complexity and interconnectedness of
consciousness, empowering individuals to participate actively in the co-creation of a more
integrated and inclusive global mind.
Beyond Binary Divisions:
To this point we have explored the integrity of consciousness, aiming to bridge the conflicting
theories beyond dualism and panpsychism. By integrating the contributions of Baars, Tonini,
Minsky, Toffler, Fuller, Lakoff, Sorokin, the metaphysical contributions of Teilhard De Chardin,
and De Bono along with the psychology of Jung, Freud and Simmel, as well as concepts like the
thirdness of C.S. Pierce and John Miller's Boundary sub-system.
In the spirit of moving beyond binary divisions towards an integrated information perspective
we propose a new theoretical framework that transcend binary divisions. Recognising the unity
of all life forms and embracing complexity, we can cultivate a deeper non-binary and more
inclusive understanding of consciousness as a Strategic Life Force (SLF) that is panpsychic in
origin and personal in significance.
The Strategic Life Force Integrative Theory
Strategic Life Force (SLF) Theory seeks to integrate various approaches to consciousness by
providing a grounded matrix of different efforts to understand consciousness. It draws from
concepts such as personality types, patterns of behaviour, and the interconnectedness of
energy and information flows. SLF Theory emphasises the emergent constructive strategic
nature of consciousness.
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Strategic Life Force (SLF) Theory:
The Strategic Life Force (SLF) Theory is an attempt to merge elements of attempts to
integrate sixteen different approaches to consciousness to identified difference between
early and late adopters of emerging technologies.
Table One outlines connections between sixteen theoretical models that have been developed
to provide a mental grounded theory of Alternating Consciousness (AC) as an open systems
approach to conceptual delineation of the nature of consciousness.
Table Two outlines’ connections between these sixteen theoretical models developed to
provide a mental grounded theory of Alternating Consciousness (AC) as an open systems
approach to comparisons of early adopters of technological change and technophobes,
presumed to be late adopters.
This is presented as a 16-cell matrix of separate but integrated theoretical set of perspectives
of alternating perceptions of change and choice that are the drivers of Strategies of
‘Consciousness” that can be aligned with Carl Jung (1921) Personality Types.
The first column lists the cells in the mental framework that organises, maintains, and
sustains modal verbs that provide a neutral colour codification of alternative theories of
consciousness that can be applied to differences between early adopters and technophobes.
They are to be seen as a set – hence the discrete spelling of the colours in these tables.
The second column identifies sixteen colour coded rows of patterns of sensing, thinking,
feeling, perceiving, and intuition identified by Carl Jung (1921) as individuated and
differentiated behaviours and approaches to conscious and unconscious personal changes and
choices.
The third column identifies sixteen related approaches to the description and interpretation
of the natures of consciousness as an eclectic integration of various approaches to
consciousness that seeks to identify the conceptual foundations and interrelationships between
them. It consists of sixteen alternating consciousness approaches that represent a grounded
matrix of different efforts to understand consciousness.
Each of these cells is interconnected and interwoven with other theoretical perspectives as a
step towards greater integration of theories and perspectives. The theory seeks to provide a
link between theories consciousness that are assumed to relate to sixteen brain related
personality types (Nardi 2017) and alternate theories of consciousness.
The SLF Theory brings together sixteen theoretical approaches to consciousness related to
sixteen personality types identified by Carl Jung (1921). Each has been named as a colour to
avoid names that imply a particular occupation or personality description under alternative
Jungian categorical descriptions such as MBTI, Keirsey (1998) or Cattell (1966).
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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
Table 1: Consciousness Theories
COLOURS JUNG CONSCIOUSNESS THEORIES
1 - WHITE ISFP ATTENTION SCHEMA
2 - NAVY INTJ HIGH-ORDER
3 - BLUE INFJ REFLEXIVE
4 - TURQOISE INFP EMERGENCE
5 - VIOLET ISFJ REPRESENTATIONAL
6 - BROWN ISTJ INFORMATION INTEGRATION
7 - LIME ENTJ MATERIALISM
8 – YYELLOW INTP IDEALISM
9 – OCHRE ESTJ SIMULATION
10 – GREEN ENTP GLOBAL WORKSPACE
11 – ORANGE ESFP EVOLUTIONARY
12 – PPINK ENFP QUANTUM
13 – BBLACK ISTP NON-PHYSICAL
14 – GREY ESTP NEURAL SYNCHRONY
15 – RRED ENFJ DUALISM
16 - MAGENTA ESFJ PANPSYCHISM
Note: This is presented as a 16-cell matrix of separate but integrated theoretical set of alternative theories of
consciousness that are the drivers of approaches to technology aligned with Carl Jung (1921) Personality Types.
Each of the cells is interconnected and interwoven with other theoretical perspectives as a step
towards greater integration of theories and practical applications. Drawing from the insights
of the thinkers, we argue for embracing complexity and interconnectedness in our
understanding of responses to emergent technologies.
What matters here is the dynamic interchange of interpersonal conditions to the construction
of both personal agency-sense of being significant, and agencies relationships, forms, functions,
frames and focus on the shred ecological environment that generates all the elements that
construct our sense of consciousness.
This challenges the prevalent habit of binary thinking, encouraging a more nuanced approach
that transcends divisions such as right or wrong; black or white; past or future; and yes versus
no. Such a shift in perspective is essential to grasp the integrity of consciousness.
Table 2: Early adopters and technophobes as percentage of the Australian population
COLOURS JUNG TOTAL AUST. POP % EARLY ADOPTERS
Index = 100
TECHNOPHOBES
Index = 100
1 - WHITE ISFP 5.4% 33 160
2 - NAVY INTJ 4.3% 63 99
3 - BLUE INFJ 12.4% 164 92
4 - TURQOISE INFP 10.8% 156 38
5 - VIOLET ISFJ 4.4% 23 154
6 - BROWN ISTJ 5.6% 104 102
7 - LIME ENTJ 4.7% 131 95
8 – YYELLOW INTP 9.1% 183 58
9 – OCHRE ESTJ 6.2% 17 190
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10 – GREEN ENTP 3.9% 78 101
11 – ORANGE ESFP 3.5% 78 101
12 – PPINK ENFP 10.3% 135 71
13 – BBLACK ISTP 4.4% 65 119
14 – GREY ESTP 4.2% 60 130
15 – RRED ENFJ 7.8% 98 99
16 - MAGENTA ESFJ 2.9% 82 102
Note: This is presented as a 16-cell matrix of separate but integrated theoretical set of personality types aligned
with Carl Jung (1921) that are presented as drivers of approaches to technology. Each of the cells is interconnected
and interwoven with other theoretical perspectives as a step towards greater integration of theories and practical
applications.
The index figures for early adopters versus technophobes suggests that one cannot always
differentiate between them solely on the basis of demographics and segmentation, and it is
clear that it is a thinking, sensing, feeling, and perceiving transition.
Sixteen Strategic Life Force (SLF) Elements
WHITE© approaches life with a sense of openness and creativity, driven by a desire for
personal growth and fulfillment and willing to take risks and embrace uncertainty in pursuit of
their goals. Consciousness reflects a deep awareness of the dynamic and ever-changing nature
of life, and a willingness to adapt and thrive from opportunities and challenges.
NAVY© approaches life with life with a strong belief in cause and effect, a willingness to take
risks, an openness to change, and a highly analytical and sequential approach to decision- making, driven by a desire to achieve excellence and invest energy and information to maintain
sustainable growth. Consciousness reflects looking for new ways to do things after finding a
reason for change and belief in making investments with good prospects.
BLUE© approaches life with life in a way that is introspective and reflective, taking take the
time to consider potential consequences before making decisions, driven by values and beliefs
motivated by a desire to accept a position of leadership and control. Consciousness reflects
understanding that chance events can have a significant impact where change is a constant and
can come in many different forms.
TURQOISE© approaches life with a delicate balance between an inner world and the external
reality, connecting with others, driven to making positive impacts on the world after reflection
and interactions to stay true to consistent patterns of behaviour. Consciousness allows them to
explore new possibilities and adapt to change, which can be challenging where there are a range
of potential outcomes and benefits.
VIOLET© approaches life with a preference for continuity that is highly aware of chance
events and changes in the environment, driven to making connections between the present and
the past. Consciousness of possibilities to adapt to changes enables a capacity to identify and
take time to adjust to new situations before re-establishing control.
BROWN© approaches life with a highly structured approach, preferring to weigh all the
available options and adopt the most practical, driven through a process of trial and error,
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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
sometimes leading to a lack of spontaneity. Consciousness is a structured, adaptive approach
that maximises opportunity and weighs available options to choose the most practical and
beneficial with the least levels of risk.
LIME© approaches life as an adaptive, complex, multi-dimensional construct that is not simply
the result of objective, external stimuli, driven by many intersecting internal stocks and flows
of energy and information to shape outreach for ongoing growth and development.
Consciousness follows movements that generate achievement and success by incremental
commitment of active environmental engagements.
YYELLOW© approaches life with principles and patterns that govern the world and generate
growth and longer-term development driven toward integration recognising that chance
events and outcomes require constant adjustment to environmental responses. Consciousness
approaches life through the interplay between function-attitudes and emerging forms of
integrated information and environmental interconnectivity.
OCHRE© approaches life by identifying patterns in access to relationship and resources that
have the potential to maintain and sustain nuanced consolidation of factors driven by the
necessity for resource intake and supply of energy and stability. Consciousness approaches life
building on external experiences and internal adaptable changes as an opportunity for
development.
GREEN© approaches life by constructing new experiences that expand viability and life stages
adding vitality and sustainability driven by complementary processes of mobility and
momentum. Consciousness is not just a passive process of consolidating free energy from the
environment but also an active process of constructing valued information stocks and flows
from adjacencies, proximities, and contributors to growth.
ORANGE© approaches life as a series of events that reflect inherent unpredictability of
emergent opportunities for novel experiences and chances to expand into new domains that
drive beyond patterns of adaptation driven towards greater adaptability. Consciousness is an
ongoing process of timing, phases, stages, and modification of senses that link allows
experiences to expand into an emerging world in a vivid and immediate way.
PPINK© approaches life as a process of making decisions in the external world to embrace
learning, experimentation, and innovation to expand life experiences and regenerate further
life stages driven to produce and reproduce adaptive life extensions. Consciousness emerges
out of the potential for unexpected events, the inevitability of change, and the importance of
making choices that expand diversity and development.
BBLACK© approaches life through the senses to interact with mechanical aptitude and ability
to build on knowing how things work and managing scarce resources driven to maintenance
and sustainable development. Consciousness enables taking advantage of opportunities as they
arise and capture the potential of chance events to survive and thrive.
GREY© approaches to life are adaptable and flexible and thrive in situations where agility,
improvisation and shared energy and information are driven to generate platforms for growth
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and development. Consciousness ensures adaptation and flexibility to adjust to emerging
circumstances as a necessary foundation for life extensions.
RRED© approaches life as building blocks of relational processes that shape natural living
systems response to other living systems to have highly developed energy and information
exchanges that allow them to select and integrate complex situations that drive productive and
reproductive capacities. Consciousness requires choices about how to respond to relationships,
information, and make choices that anticipate t potential consequences of those choices.
MAGENTA© approaches life as a relationship focused set of emergent responses to internal
and external environmental competitive changes and that expand capacities that have worked
in the past driven by adaptations that expand on life chances in the future. Consciousness is a
collection of processes that complement the relationships between all of the subsystem actions
proven to operate in the best interest of the entire living system.
These sixteen alternatives can be aligned to the sub-systems of John Miller’s Living Systems
theory that sets out the structure of different scales of organisation of structures and systems.
In Diagram One, the sub-systems are presented as a matrix of process flows that establish,
maintain, and shows the systemic stocks and flows that represents the components of social
interactions between alternative approaches to changes and choices.
Diagram 1: sub-systems of John Miller’s Living Systems Theory
Dualists assume that the brain operates as a Global Workspace that connects myriads of
continuous changes and choices. Analytical psychologist, John Beebe has matched the types to
gerunds—activities associated with sixteen different “-ing” social interactions that people
apply to become aware of other people’s changes ad choices inn life, then they are struggling
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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
with challenges Again, these can be aligned with the components of Miller (1978) Living
Systems framework.
A wide range of labels and occupational types have been presented in the past fifty years as
types, traits and temperaments that offer a measure of social, representation to increase
appreciation of differences in the observed behaviours in social systems. The matrix can be seen
be associated with sixteen brain functions in the human cortex based on two hemispheres that
generate dichotomous pairs of cognitive functions:
• The “rational” (judging) with thinking and feeling
• The “irrational” (perceiving) with sensation and intuition, that are expressed in either
introverted or extraverted form. These can be matched to brain functions (see Diagram
2).
Diagram 2: Assumptive Map of the Cortex (Nardi 2016)
The sixteen SLF frames can be related to the sixteen Jung Personality Types and the alternative
theories of conscious to posit that the brain operates like all other humans and systems. These
relativities are set out in Diagrams four and five.
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Diagram 3: 16 EEG cortex contacts, bird’s eye view of the neo-cortex (Nardi 2016).
This provides a model of the relationships of brain region systems that can be applied to the
establishment of applied personality and consciousness theories. Combining Jung’s observed
patterns with those of Nardi, it is possible to propose a relationship between the functions of
the human brain that contribute to coping and consciousness and the way that the integrated
information systems construct social work processes.
The Advanced Relational Meaning System of human organisation (“A.R.M.S”) requires
consciousness and coping with the action potential ad development of a hierarchy and holarchy
of social relations from local and global scales. Hofstede (1984), in Culture’s Convergences
identifies a cross-cultural set of dimensions that enable people to communicate, cooperate and
construct societies that work.
The six dimensions are:
(Individualism) I ➔ We (Collectivism)
(Masculine) YOU ➔ YOURS (Feminine)
(Low PDI) US ➔ THEM (High PDI)
(Low UAI) UNCERTAINTY ➔ CERTAINTY (High UAI)
(Time) NOW ➔ THEN (Durations)
(Indulgence) OUR ➔ YOUR (Restraint)
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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
The elements of social reflection of SELF and OTHER provide the minimum set of boundary
relationships sufficient to contribute coping and consciousness capacities (see Diagram 4).
Diagram 4: Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions
Diagram 5: Matrix underpinning change and choice
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Any social development emerges from interactions between people who agree to work together
to increase their chances of being more active and living more of their lives.
IMPLICATIONS FOR EMERGENT TECHNOLOGIES
SLF Theory opens avenues for research at the intersection of personality, consciousness, and
technology. It challenges traditional categorical descriptions and encourages a holistic and
integrated approach to understanding human consciousness and its implications for various
aspects of life.
1. Understanding Consciousness and Personality: This theory suggests a link between
consciousness theories and Jung's personality types. By exploring how different types of
consciousness manifest in individuals with different personalities, researchers can gain
insights into the fundamental nature of consciousness and its connection to individual
differences.
2. Technology Development and Adoption: The theory posits that certain consciousness
theories may be more prevalent among specific personality types. Understanding this
relationship could help technology developers create more personalised and user- friendly interfaces that align with the cognitive preferences of different personality
types.
3. Psychological Well-being and Technology: Investigating how consciousness theories
relate to psychological well-being and technology adoption could lead to the
development of technologies that support mental health and personal growth based on
individual differences.
4. Nuanced Approaches to Ethics and Morality: The theory encourages a shift away
from binary thinking, which could have implications for ethical and moral
considerations related to technology development and use. It may prompt researchers
and policymakers to adopt a more nuanced and context-dependent approach to
addressing ethical challenges.
5. Integration of Theoretical Perspectives: The interconnectedness of the different
consciousness theories highlights the potential for integration and synthesis. Future
research could focus on building a unified framework that combines elements from
these diverse theories to create a more comprehensive understanding of consciousness.
6. Cultural and Global Perspectives: The distribution of personality types and
consciousness theories in the Australian population may differ from other regions or
cultures. Exploring the universality or cultural specificity of these relationships could
provide a more global understanding of consciousness and its implications.
7. Neuroscientific Investigations: Linking personality types to specific consciousness
theories may pave the way for neuroscientific studies that explore neural correlates and
mechanisms associated with these different modes of consciousness.
8. Practical Applications: The theory suggests that understanding the interplay between
personality types, consciousness theories, and technology can lead to more effective and
personalised educational, therapeutic, and self-development interventions.
9. Validation of Theoretical Associations: Future research should empirically validate
the associations proposed in this theory. Rigorous empirical studies will be needed to
confirm if certain consciousness theories are indeed more prevalent among specific
personality types.
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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
10. Longitudinal Studies: Conducting longitudinal studies could shed light on how
consciousness theories and personality types evolve and interact over time, providing
insights into the dynamic nature of consciousness and its development.
CONCLUSION
An integrated SLF Theory has the potential to bring together alternative theoretical approaches
to consciousness related to sixteen personality types identified by Carl Jung and sixteen sets of
theories of consciousness. To the extent that this can be confirmed in further empirical studies,
it presents a novel and interconnected perspective on the nature of consciousness and its
relationship to emergent technologies. This theoretical framework proposes that different
personality types are associated with specific theories of consciousness, represented by distinct
colours.
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