Another take on Subjective Experience and Consciousness.

 

 Model of Consciousness and Subjective Experience

Core Concept: I propose that subjective experience emerges from the complex interplay between contextual information, dimensionality, time, and strategic choices, all modulated by temporal flows, which I refer to as stress patterns. This model aims to quantify and explain how these factors interact to shape consciousness and learning.

Key Equations and Their Roles:

1. Subjective Experience Equation:

   $$SE_i = f(C_i, T, D/C_i)$$
   • SE_i: Subjective experience of individual $i$
   • C_i: Contextual information matrix for individual $i$
   • T: Time
   • D: Overall dimensionality of the information space
   • D/C_i: Contextual asymmetry

2. Information Exchange Rate:

   $$I_i = k \cdot N^2 \cdot \left(\frac{D}{C_i}\right) \cdot B(s_i) \cdot S_i$$
   • I_i: Rate of information exchange for individual $i$
   • k: Constant that could define levels of consciousness
   • N: Intensity of interactions
   • B(s_i): Stress/challenge function
   • S_i: Strategy function

3. Context Evolution:

   $$C_i(t+1) = g(C_i(t), E(\Delta T), \sum (I_j \cdot S_j), D)$$
   • C_i(t+1): Context at the next time step
   • g: Function describing context evolution
   • E(\Delta T): Experiences accumulated over time interval $\Delta T$
   • \sum (I_j \cdot S_j): Influence of other agents' information exchange and strategies

4. Stress/Challenge Function:

   $$B(s) = a \cdot e^{-\frac{(s - \mu)^2}{2\sigma^2}}$$
   • a: Height of the curve's peak
   • \mu: Mean (position of the peak)
   • \sigma: Standard deviation (width of the bell)
   • s: Stress/challenge level

5. Learning Efficiency:

   $$L_i = h(SE_i, I_i, B(s_i), S_i)$$
   • L_i: Learning efficiency for individual $i$
   • h: Function describing how learning efficiency depends on subjective experience, information exchange, stress, and strategy

6. Threshold for Transformative Events:

   $$T_i = C_i \cdot N \cdot B(s_i)$$
   • T_i: Threshold for transformative events for individual $i$

Key Claims:

1. Contextual Asymmetry: The ratio $D/C_i$ is a fundamental source of differences in subjective experience and learning outcomes between individuals.
2. Dynamic Nature: All components of the model (SE, C, I, S, B) are in constant flux, influenced by each other and external factors.
3. Strategic Adaptation: Individuals can influence their learning and experience through strategic choices (S_i), which in turn affect their context and information exchange rates.
4. Optimal Challenge: There exists an optimal level of stress/challenge (represented by the peak of B(s)) that maximizes learning efficiency and positive subjective experiences.
5. Emergent Phenomena: Complex interactions between model components can lead to emergent behaviors, sudden insights, and transformative learning events.
6. Individual Differences: The model accounts for individual differences through unique $C_i$, $S_i$, and $B(s_i)$ functions for each person.
7. Multidimensional Influence: The dimensionality $D$ plays a crucial role in shaping both individual experiences and inter-individual differences.
8. Temporal Dynamics: Time (T) is a fundamental factor, influencing how contexts evolve and how experiences are integrated.
9. Social Influence: The model incorporates social learning and influence through the $\sum (I_j \cdot S_j)$ term in the context evolution equation.
10. Meta-Learning: Understanding and manipulating one's own $D/C_i$ ratio can be a powerful meta-cognitive strategy for enhancing learning and adaptation.