A Categorical Model of General Consciousness

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Philosophy of Mind
• Artificial Intelligence
• Mathematical Modeling

Background:

• Defining consciousness remains a significant challenge in scientific research due to its philosophical underpinnings, hindering large-scale integration.
• Existing research is fragmented, lacking a unified framework to bridge natural and artificial systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a mathematical categorical model for defining consciousness.
• To quantify consciousness algebraically by integrating its common meaning across disciplines.
• To provide a framework for evaluating consciousness in both biological and artificial systems.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of essential characteristics of consciousness, particularly transitivity.
• Development of a categorical model with three hierarchical layers: objects, reflex units, and consciousness per se.
• Utilizing homomorphism to establish relationships within the model.
• Algebraic quantification of consciousness.

Main Results:

• A novel categorical model of consciousness is established.
• The model successfully quantifies consciousness algebraically.
• Functional neurons and artificial intelligence (AI) components can be integrated as variables or functions within the model.
• A framework is provided for integrating natural and artificial consciousness.

Conclusions:

• The proposed mathematical model offers a quantifiable definition of consciousness.
• This approach facilitates the integration of research across diverse fields, including neuroscience, AI, and philosophy.
• The model supports the evaluation and determination of consciousness in both biological organisms and artificial constructs.