Could the universe really be conscious?

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SUMMARY

Recent discussions have centered around the theory that the universe may possess consciousness, likening its structure to that of a brain. However, significant skepticism exists regarding this theory, as it lacks empirical evidence and is largely speculative. Critics argue that the communication mechanisms in a brain operate on a much faster timescale compared to the vast delays inherent in cosmic signal transmission. Consequently, the notion of a conscious universe is dismissed as unfounded and not supported by scientific principles.

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  • Understanding of consciousness theories in neuroscience
  • Familiarity with cosmology and the structure of the universe
  • Knowledge of scientific evidence evaluation
  • Basic principles of signal transmission in biological systems
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  • Research the neuroscience of consciousness and its implications
  • Explore cosmological theories regarding the universe's structure
  • Study the principles of scientific skepticism and evidence-based reasoning
  • Investigate the mechanisms of signal transmission in both biological and cosmic contexts
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Philosophers, neuroscientists, cosmologists, and anyone interested in the intersection of consciousness and the universe.

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Some people think the universe be conscious. Is this a valid theory?
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BadgerBadger92 said:
Summary: Some people think the universe be conscious. Is this a valid theory?

https://time.com/6208174/maybe-the-...itorial&utm_term=ideas_books&linkId=178670105

I was reading on Time today that some scientists believe the universe is conscious and is built like a brain. Is this a valid theory or something not valid?
I doubt that you will get much joy out of that question on PF. That idea has no evidence to support it so it's only speculation and is not part of PF's brief.

Quote some actual evidence and you may get a better response. I read, in that reference of yours, the words "too big to think" and that says it all. One massive objection that I would have about claiming parallels between brains and the universe would be that a brain works by communication between the cells. The passage of signals within the brain takes a fraction of a second; that's a minute proportion of the age of the brain. Otoh, any network carrying signals around the universe has a delay that corresponds to the sort of time that the universe has taken to be formed. That makes it a bit of a non-starter, I think.
 
I thought it was bull too. I just wanted to see what you think. Didn’t make much sense to me
 
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BadgerBadger92 said:
I was reading on Time today
Not a valid source.

BadgerBadger92 said:
I thought it was bull too.
Not a valid reason for posting a thread.

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