Chapter 1: Understanding Consciousness

Consciousness may serve as compelling evidence for the existence of a higher power or the notion that we live in a simulated reality. The phenomenon of experiential consciousness stands as one of the most remarkable aspects of the universe. It's not merely that we can think; we actually experience our thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. When we feel pain or perceive our visual surroundings, it suggests that we exist in a reality beyond what we might consider "base-level," as noted by Elon Musk. It’s almost as if we are avatars in some larger framework.

In the realms of physics, information theory, and philosophy, there are indicators that support the simulation hypothesis. Quantum physics can be viewed as an ingenious algorithm designed to minimize calculations, where the Planck length serves as a metaphorical measure of screen resolution. Moreover, as discussed further on, there appears to be no known mechanism for consciousness within our current understanding of reality. Thus, the question arises: how can consciousness evolve or operate in a realm devoid of such mechanisms?

Let’s be candid: the idea that atomic structures should possess the ability to experience imagery or emotions, or even feel pain, raises significant questions. Could this indicate a more profound reality, as some critics suggest? Personally, I find this notion quite compelling. It seems implausible that the science within our current framework would allow mere atoms to genuinely feel sensations.

This distinction is crucial: we should not conflate the processes of sensing and responding with the genuine experience of feelings. The enigma lies not in the ability to think or respond, which are well-explored by neuroscience, but in the origin of our experiential self. What is the source of this aspect of our being?

Chapter 2: The Debate on Consciousness

For over a year, I have engaged in discussions with Mathew on Medium regarding this subject. My position has been that, from a scientific perspective, consciousness is entirely unexpected. If we were not conscious beings, the concept of consciousness would likely remain foreign to us. This leads to the notion of "philosophical zombies," a term coined by David Chalmers to describe entities that can think and respond yet lack any subjective experience.

Humans often overlook consciousness, a topic that has only recently gained traction in discourse. Moreover, those studying consciousness rarely delve into the true mystery of experiential awareness.

The idea that "consciousness evolved" is fundamentally flawed, as Mathew points out. There is no established physical mechanism to account for consciousness. In fact, nothing in physics anticipates or can explain the phenomenon of experiential consciousness. The suggestion that neural representations—whether biological or binary—could evolve into genuine experiences is absurd. What kind of entity can possess illusions without an underlying consciousness?

Evolution relies on pre-existing elements to build upon. In our physical universe, there are no constructs that exhibit consciousness in any measurable way; we are the only beings known to possess this trait. If inanimate objects harbor fragments of consciousness, it would suggest a reality far stranger than either the simulation hypothesis or religious interpretations of existence.

Information systems do not spontaneously develop the capacity to feel. Furthermore, as Mathew mentions, many living organisms thrive without consciousness, relying instead on mechanistic survival instincts.

Accusations of "God of the gaps" thinking are common, yet it's essential for scientists to acknowledge that numerous pieces of evidence align with the simulation or divine hypothesis. I contend that consciousness represents the strongest indication of a transcendent reality, whether that be a divine entity or a simulation. In either case, we are not operating within a base-level reality, as Elon Musk suggests.

The first video titled "How did consciousness evolve? - with Nicholas Humphrey" explores the intricate journey of consciousness and its evolutionary implications.

The second video, "The Evolution of Consciousness," delves into the origins and development of consciousness across different life forms.