Authors:Enrique Aramendia Muneta Pages: e2023 - 0050 Abstract: Process aspects are prevalent in many domains of reality, and consciousness is no exception. Nevertheless, while the processual approach implicitly underlies the theories of consciousness, an explicit statement of the question is scarcely found in the literature. This paper tries to bridge this gap. Here, I argue that conscious experience fulfils all the requirements for a processual analysis: it is complex, functionally/causally determined, and has a temporal basis. Then, I revisit an old concept, self-transformative processes, which refers to processes that change themselves. These processes are very common. A stretched bow is the classical Heraclitean example. However, it is easy to misunderstand what self-transformativeness is. To provide a well-formed description, I characterize self-transformative processes in terms of composition (using a non-classic mereology) and in terms of functionality (by developing the concept of self-modulating variables). Finally, I apply self-transformative processes to explain consciousness. Traces of self-transformativeness can be found in many theories of consciousness, particularly when they are stressed about their internal mechanisms. Here, I focus on Integrated Information Theory as a paradigmatic example of a mathematically well-described theory, and I demonstrate that quantitative self-transformativeness is a requirement at the very core of the integration of the information. PubDate: 2024-03-20 Issue No:Vol. 47, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Raoni Arroyo, Lauro de Matos Nunes Filho , Frederik Moreira dos Santos Pages: e2023 - 0047 Abstract: According to a particular interpretation of quantum mechanics, the causal role of human consciousness in the measuring process is called upon to solve a foundational problem called the “measurement problem.” Traditionally, this interpretation is tied up with the metaphysics of substance dualism. As such, this interpretation of quantum mechanics inherits the dualist’s mind-body problem. Our working hypothesis is that a process-based approach to the consciousness causes collapse interpretation (CCCI) -leaning on Whitehead’s solution to the mind-body problem- offers a better metaphysical understanding of consciousness and its role in interpreting quantum mechanics. This article is the kickoff for such a research program in the metaphysics of science. PubDate: 2024-03-20 Issue No:Vol. 47, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Willian Penn Pages: e2023 - 0051 Abstract: Descrevo as principais características do realismo puro do processo - realismo sobre os processos que são identificados pela dinâmica experimental estruturada por modelos científicos - mostrando que a visão atende aos critérios do realismo científico. Defendo que o realismo de processo resolve muitas das preocupações dos antirrealistas, incluindo os problemas de idealização, subdeterminação, contextualidade, multiplicidade e a meta-indução pessimista. Mostro essa resolução no contexto de um modelo polêmico da física: o modelo de Bohr do átomo. Em seguida, generalizo essa discussão para uma coleção de conclusões e restrições sobre o realismo de processo como uma visão, a fim de distingui-lo ainda mais do realismo ortodoxo, paradigmático de substância ou de coisa. Portanto, o realismo de processo puro é demonstrado como uma forma de realismo compatível com o empirismo. PubDate: 2024-03-20 Issue No:Vol. 47, No. 1 (2024)