On the Embryology of Consciousness

Foster, Jeffrey R. (2007) On the Embryology of Consciousness. In: 11th annual meeting of the Association for Scientific Study of Consciousness, June 22-25, 2007, Las Vegas.

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Abstract

An embryologic approach is proposed concerning the emergence of Consciousness. The model views Consciousness initially as a widely distributed non-sentient homeostatic operator function. It initially functions to preserve adequate information flows between Parts (e.g., cells) and the Whole as the organism grows and develops. It later is involved with integrating sensory, perceptual, linguistic, affective, memory and higher cognitive mechanisms as they develop. The model indicates that Consciousness is a robust mechanism supporting at least 6 computational domain mapping modes. It also states that the Consciousness mechanism develops a variety of inherent abstraction capabilities—including the abstraction of Self—which serve as foundations for interactions between itself and other mental functions as they develop. The existence of functional symmetry relationships between biologic and mental dimensions is posited as critical to allowing seamless interfacing between the Consciousness operator function and these other functions. The theory rests on four critical substrates: Information, Communication, Morphology and a recognized biologic (Morphogenetic) Field. It operates through the creation of sets (of Parts), through mappings between sets, through symmetry relationships and through attributes of fractal geometry & fractal physiology by which the boundaries of the sets are formed. The model is generalizable to phyla that are brain-based and perhaps also to those that do not have central nervous systems.

Comments/Discussion

The model shows that mechanisms relevant to experiential consciousness may begin well before the brain develops in the embryo.It demonstrates that such pre-brain proto-consciousness mechanisms include latent capacities for abstractions and logical reasoning that shape brain capacities as that organ develops. The model describes the creation of Self ("constructed Self")that becomes central as the eventual experiencing agent of Consciousnes.

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