Mathematical foundations of consciousness

DOI10.1016/J.JAL.2008.05.002zbMATH Open1189.03068arXiv0810.4339OpenAlexW1994158068MaRDI QIDQ846525FDOQ846525

Authors: Willard L. Miranker, Gregg J. Zuckerman 

Publication date: 9 February 2010

Published in: Journal of Applied Logic (Search for Journal in Brave)

Abstract: We employ the Zermelo-Fraenkel Axioms that characterize sets as mathematical primitives. The Anti-foundation Axiom plays a significant role in our development, since among other of its features, its replacement for the Axiom of Foundation in the Zermelo-Fraenkel Axioms motivates Platonic interpretations. These interpretations also depend on such allied notions for sets as pictures, graphs, decorations, labelings and various mappings that we use. A syntax and semantics of operators acting on sets is developed. Such features enable construction of a theory of non-well-founded sets that we use to frame mathematical foundations of consciousness. To do this we introduce a supplementary axiomatic system that characterizes experience and consciousness as primitives. The new axioms proceed through characterization of so- called consciousness operators. The Russell operator plays a central role and is shown to be one example of a consciousness operator. Neural networks supply striking examples of non-well-founded graphs the decorations of which generate associated sets, each with a Platonic aspect. Employing our foundations, we show how the supervening of consciousness on its neural correlates in the brain enables the framing of a theory of consciousness by applying appropriate consciousness operators to the generated sets in question.

Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/0810.4339

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zbMATH Keywords

neural networksnon-well-founded setssemantics of operatorsfundations of consciousnessRussell operator

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Neural biology (92C20) Neural networks for/in biological studies, artificial life and related topics (92B20) Applications of set theory (03E75)

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Cited In (4)

• Towards an axiomatic theory of consciousness
• Dynamics of mental activity
• Neural Algebra and Consciousness: A Theory of Structural Functionality in Neural Nets
• Title not available (Why is that?)

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