Matter, mind and consciousness: from information to meaning
Abstract
This is a perspective on some theoretical studies obtained in the framework of the dissipative quantum model of brain. The formation of long range neuronal correlations is described in terms of quantum field theory mechanisms operating in systems with a huge number of degrees of freedom. Memory states are constructed through the condensation in the lowest energy state of quanta associated to the long range correlations. Many properties derived from such a modeling are discussed, also in relation with classical/quantum modeling interplay. The brain flexibility in responding to incoming inputs producing novel correlation patterns is attributed to the chaotic character of trajectories or paths through the memory states. A relevant role in the model is played by the fact that the brain is permanently open to its environment. The brain/mind activity is thus described in the formalism of dissipative systems, also accounting for the formation of the meanings of the information carried by the perceptual experiences. A recent novel description of criticality in brain activity during dreaming, meditation and non-ordinary brain states is briefly mentioned. In the model, it is proposed that consciousness finds its origin in the permanent dialog or interaction of the brain with its environment. Although a long way has been done, much work is still necessary to understand the extraordinary functional properties of brain.
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