FOM seminar; Beach room, 3105 Tolman
Hall, UC Berkeley 23 March 2015
Please note that Menas' talk is here
Please note that Menas' talk is here
Schedule;
2pm Menas Kafatos with respondents
Wolfgang Baer and Karla
M. Galdamez, Ph.d
Extendi
Extendi
Menas C. Kafatos, Fletcher Jones
Endowed Professor of Computational Physics, Chapman University, Orange,
California, U.S.A.
Quantum theory opened the door to consciousness through
observation, but it cannot account
for consciousness. Specifically, the Orthodox quantum view as extended
by von Neumann requires a fundamental role for conscious observation.
However, this is still a dualistic approach, separating the observer
from the response of the overall system to observational choices, the
so-called “measurement problem”. Moreover, there is considerable
disagreement on the meaning itself of “consciousness”.
We advocate an approach which is consistent with
the findings of quantum mechanics and relativity but extends microphysics
to mesoscale levels to include observers: Simply put, we cannot remove
subjective experience from the practice of science and quantum mechanics
in particular. Science presupposes sentient scientists. Ontological
assumptions of a system of thought or the underlying metaphysics are
always implicit but rarely discussed.
Our ontological assumption is that universal Consciousness,
which we term Awareness, is fundamental
in the universe. Testing this assumption is not possible in any system
that assumes the absolute division of subject and object, as current
science is. We present arguments that philosophy or science cannot provide
a comprehensive account of existence without accounting for the awareness
that is creating that ontology.
In the proposed framework, one is not looking for the theory of consciousness or the Theory of Everything
but how an Awareness-based ontology can assist to address observation
and manifestation of physical existence. In extending quantum reality,
we examine the applicability of three principles that apply at all levels.
Quantum-like effects extend QM to mesoscale biological and neuronal
levels and beyond. We discuss what goes into the proposed framework,
beginning with the three fundamental principles, and
how mathematics can assist to establish such a framework, particularly
the subject-object relationships, which we hold as primary. To put it
in another way, the qualia of object - subject relationships, which
link science and philosophy through Awareness, are at the core of this
framework.
Baer's abstract;
Abstract: If we assume the universe is fundamentally a self measurement and explanatory action cycle as suggested by H. James, Whitehead, and A. Wheeler, then we can define a process architecture in which we and the rest of the universe are described by action cycles that include subjective experiences. I will give a graphic presentation showing how the Whole can be divided into interacting action cycles. As an example I will describe a three person Whole consisting of You, I, and the rest of the Universe. I will then indicate how quantum mechanics is a linear approximation to the theory of events that addresses macroscopic phenomena beyond the atomic and nuclear scales.
Response by Karla
M. Galdamez, Ph.d.
In
the present work, John von Neumann's idea of measurement and
observation through the problem of the photon-eye interaction will be
explored. The probability of wave function collapse as the photon
enters the eye will be investigated via density matrix formalism and
non-linear Schrodinger equations. Experimental assessment will
consist of optical equipment currently built.
This
optical equipment has been elaborated and tested for the production
of 10-20 photon per 100 milli-second time window for the
investigation of reaction time and corresponding visual evoked
potential. Results will be further used for a theoretical analysis
of the study of collapse, decoherence and absorption phenomena
investigating the idea of von Neumann's 'cut'.
The
experimental equipment consists of a silicon avalanche photodiode to
detect near to single photon output, a high power light emitting
diode (LED) source centered at 530 nm, a set of single and multi-mode
fibers, and an attenuator. Attenuator is built as an optical lens
device containing two convex lenses for improved efficiency of
source-to-output via optical fibers, and appropriate density filter
for variations of input current. The system is driven by a high
power, 1-channel LED driver with pulse modulation device. The desired
result is achieved with future investigation for exact single digit
photon production and random generation pulse input.
4 pm
Cortical quantum processes in the age
of big data
Seán
Ó Nualláin Ph.D.
President,
UoI
Some of the classic Penrose arguments
for the necessity of consciousness (and quantum effects) in cognitive
processing are now being falsified by progress in computing.
Computers can now “read' emotions, convert sound waves to text, and
interpret scenes. at levels close to humans/ Remarkably, this has
largely been done by “big data” methods rather than the AI
methods used in the 20th century. It would seem to be a
natural conclusion that the brain is a deterministic system, and that
there is no need to posit quantum effects.
It is, hoverer, a fact that the brain
works by allocating resources preferentially to processes deemed
important. The techniques assumed germane to this project are dynamic
load balancing for allocation of processing resources, with adaptive
resonance theory being used to model the neural network structure .In
short, this too could be a deterministic process, and is termed
“Exogenous attention”
What this paper explores is that the
contrastive “endogenous” type of attention may be
non-deterministic and invite a quantum explanation. In the 1990's
there was consensus that the neurons in the nuclei reticularis
thalami (nrt) “gated”' information in the corticothalamic loop.
We have since found out that the nrt comprise a gap junction,
capable of working at speeds far above that of chemical synapses and
consequently hospitable to quantum effects.
The scenario proposed in this paper,
therefore, is one in which a superposition of processes is
maintained until the nrt select one to be the focus of attention. The
process so selected is allowed “broadcast” its content to the
whole cortex in a manner facilitated by gamma synchrony, and this is
what we call “consciousness” Following Pribram, we are willing to
concede that consciousness is describable in classical physics
terms, and has as its “intentional” aspect a synchrony between
dendritic processes and real world objects.
What is non-classical in our schema is
the action of the nrt in choosing which question to ask of nature. It
is further argued that the flip side of big data's recent successes
is its abject failure in areas like machine translation. It is argued
that the recent computational successes pertain to what Fodor called
“vertical” cognitive modules, fast and mandatory mental
computations not subject to voluntary action. What requires the
action of will in “endogenous attention “ of “horizontal
modules” produces a set of artifacts, like humans' real use of
language, which permeates our society. While we indeed are classical
machines a great deal of the time, the society we have constructed
requires us to engage in quantum computation. That allows a realm for
free, responsible human action
4-45 pm
Justin Riddle
"Fractal Trialism: Cognitive Science meets Quantum Mechanics"
I present a new model of consciousness called Fractal Trialism. This
model is a broad framework for connecting seemingly disparate fields
in Cognitive Science and Physics. Fractal Trialism presents a
tripartite view of the mind akin to Roger Penrose's Three World Model.
A Physical world which relates to the Measurement principle of QM and
digital computers. A Mental world of the Superposition principle and
quantum computers. Finally, a Platonic world of Entanglement / Unitary
evolution which finds its home in a new form of computation called
Frequency Fractal computing (FFC) currently coming out of MIT. The
theory is called "Fractal" Trialism because to best understand each of
the three worlds you must view an analogous tripartite description of
each world/computer. For digital computers we have Alan Turing's
Store, Executive unit and Control. For quantum computers we have
Quantum Zeno Effect, Bose-Einstein Condensates and Universal Quantum
Simulation. For FFC we have Guilio Tononi's Integrated Information
Theory, Anirban Bandyopadhyay's Frequency Fractal Computing and the
Quantum Gravity Research Group's use of the E8-lattice. All of these
terms will be defined simply and in relation to each other. Fractal
trialism unites biology and physics, mathematics and consciousness,
computation and freewill.
"Fractal Trialism: Cognitive Science meets Quantum Mechanics"
I present a new model of consciousness called Fractal Trialism. This
model is a broad framework for connecting seemingly disparate fields
in Cognitive Science and Physics. Fractal Trialism presents a
tripartite view of the mind akin to Roger Penrose's Three World Model.
A Physical world which relates to the Measurement principle of QM and
digital computers. A Mental world of the Superposition principle and
quantum computers. Finally, a Platonic world of Entanglement / Unitary
evolution which finds its home in a new form of computation called
Frequency Fractal computing (FFC) currently coming out of MIT. The
theory is called "Fractal" Trialism because to best understand each of
the three worlds you must view an analogous tripartite description of
each world/computer. For digital computers we have Alan Turing's
Store, Executive unit and Control. For quantum computers we have
Quantum Zeno Effect, Bose-Einstein Condensates and Universal Quantum
Simulation. For FFC we have Guilio Tononi's Integrated Information
Theory, Anirban Bandyopadhyay's Frequency Fractal Computing and the
Quantum Gravity Research Group's use of the E8-lattice. All of these
terms will be defined simply and in relation to each other. Fractal
trialism unites biology and physics, mathematics and consciousness,
computation and freewill.
5pm Close
Another great success; photos thanks to Tim
Menas Kafatos
Seán
Ó Nualláin
Wolfgang Baer
Another great success; photos thanks to Tim
