The Nature of Consciousness, Thermodynamics, and Quantum Mechanics

The following model of consciousness is based on a radical literalist interpretation of reality, paired with a methodology which uses observational equivalence as the means of inference from statement to statement.

This theory first creates an equivalence between the observer in QM and a human observer, explaining that in both cases, each can only talk about an unobserved object in probabilistic terms, and therefore, both observers must be equivalent.

The theory then explains that an observer only observes entropy in a system when that system is visible to the user. Applying radical literalism, it is deduced that if an observer is able perceive entropy, it is because the observer is putting it there.

Since the fundamental state transformation performed by an observer is measurement — the act of determining a fixed state, it is deduced that it is measurement — namely, the act of interaction performed by the observer by means of the method of observation — which is the source of the entropy seen in the environment, which is equivalent to the effect of observation — to the result of perceiving. a fixed state.

Therefore, the observer must always exist in a state of lower entropy that their environment, or else they would not be able to observe anything. The characteristic state of all observers can therefore be predicted to be lower than observables, whether the observer is human or a particle.

Furthermore, the act of observation must function as an exchange of entropy between the observer and the observable, radiating entropy outwards while concentrating all observers to a point, requiring all observers to be present in a specific locality at all times, and requiring the observer to be present in a specific state at all times.

The act of observation and the exchange of entropy are equivalent to a circuit where the observer is the source of energy, and the observable is a resistor. The exchange of entropy between them creates an oscillation in which entropy flows from one to another, creating a feedback loop that allows for information transfer.

Information only flows when the observer is in a state of lower entropy than their environment, and when they are able to interact with it — the circuit must be closed and the means by which the observation is performed must be present.

The above now lets us form a clear and precise description of ‘observer’ from the perspective of the qualities it must display:

“An observer is a system which exists in a state of lower entropy than its environment, and which interacts with it by means of an exchange of entropy. This interaction creates an oscillation between the two systems, allowing for information transfer. “

This description now allows for an examination of ‘observer’ — whether physical or biological — from a purely thermodynamic perspective, allowing us opportunity to create yet another equivalence between the two. This allows us to examine all natural systems with an unbiased eye, and to draw conclusions about the nature of consciousness.
Consciousness can now be better understood as:

“the potential for an observer to interact with its environment, and the ability of that interaction to create a feedback loop which allows for information transfer.”
This definition is consistent with both physical and biological systems, allowing us to draw conclusions about consciousness from either perspective.
Furthermore, it tells us that the entire Universe is conscious, as all systems are capable of interacting with their environment and exchanging entropy.

Finally, it clearly reveals the role of consciousness as the means by which information is transferred between systems and grounds its function as a fundamental component of existence clearly related to the most basic of physical laws.