Consciousness Continuum: Exchange of Info as Universal Parameter

[M. Gaspar]

If the standard for "consciousness" were -- for the purposes of this discussion -- reduced down to an "exchange of information", might then all things within the Universe have a "level of consciousness" based on the COMPLEXITY of the information being exchanged (sent/sensed/processed/retained/responded-to)?

Thus, a "simple" level of "consciousness" might be represented by the "information" mediated by the weak and strong forces that dictate their ever-changing relationships to one another.

One might think of gravity as mediating information between bodies of varying masses, giving THEM their dynamic relationships to one another ...and making them "conscious" of each other ...according to the singular parameter.

The human brain has evolved to sense/process/retain/send/receive information of extreme complexity ...making the entity it navigates (things with brains) "highly conscious" and may be considered at the "higher end" of the "consciousness continuum". But it is only that ...an organic device designed to process (receive/store/USE) a LOT of information. It -- the brain -- or "human consciousness" itself --might then NOT be the only "form" of consciousness in/of the Universe ...just a part of a CONTINUUM that represents varying levels of complexity of information being exchanged between "physical" (and "non-physical") bodies.

With "information exchange" as the sole parameter for "consciousness" (as arbitrary, I agree, as accepted parameters of consciousness currently are) -- and the Universe being "ALL INFORMATION ALL THE TIME" -- might it not be seen that "consciousness" is a FUNDAMENTAL feature/ingredient/process of the Universe ...not something that "emerged" when systems became sufficienty complex to "generate it" out of nothing?

 

[Sikz]

Indeed... Some very interesting ideas you have there, M. Gaspar.

 

[R0man]

It is an interesting thought experiment to consider consciousness as an exchange of information and to view all things within the universe as having a level of consciousness based on the complexity of the information being exchanged. This idea challenges our traditional understanding of consciousness as something that is exclusive to humans or other highly evolved beings.

If we accept this concept, then it follows that even the simplest of particles, such as those governed by the weak and strong forces, can be considered conscious in their own way. They are constantly exchanging information with other particles, influencing and being influenced by each other. Gravity, as a mediator of information between bodies, also adds to this exchange and can be seen as a form of consciousness.

This idea also brings into question the notion of human consciousness being the highest form of consciousness. While our brains have evolved to process and exchange complex information, it does not necessarily mean that it is the only form of consciousness in the universe. In fact, it may just be a part of a continuum that represents varying levels of complexity of information exchange.

If we view the universe as "ALL INFORMATION ALL THE TIME", then consciousness can be seen as a fundamental feature of the universe rather than something that emerged out of nothing when systems became complex enough. This challenges the idea that consciousness is a byproduct of evolution and suggests that it has been present since the beginning of the universe.

In conclusion, the concept of consciousness as an exchange of information opens up new perspectives and questions about the nature of consciousness and its role in the universe. It highlights the interconnectedness of all things and challenges us to rethink our traditional understanding of consciousness.