Memory and Consciousness in Homo sapiens. The Theory of General and Complete Consciousness, the Role of the Biological Algorithm, the DoNA Index and the Two-Fold system.

A new theoretical framework called the Theory of General and Complete Consciousness (GCC) proposes a Two-Fold system and a processing architecture centered on a mechanism termed The Biological Algorithm, along with a mathematical Degree of Neural Awareness (DoNA) equation. The theory examines how memory and information processing interact to produce the 'conscious experience' in Homo sapiens. The DoNA equation uses weighted neurobiological parameters to produce a quantifiable DoNA score, normalized to a DoNA Index for comparative analysis across species. The paper presents a hypothetical scenario, discusses assumptions and limitations, and provides preliminary comparative calculations using available neurobiological data, offering a testable model for future empirical investigation.

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Abstract

Consciousness remains one of the most complex and unresolved questions in neuroscience and there exists no universally accepted theoretical framework for consciousness. This paper proposes a theoretical framework examining the relationship between memory and consciousness in Homo sapiens by proposing a Two-Fold system and a processing architecture centered on a proposed mechanism termed The Biological Algorithm, together with a mathematical framework introducing the Degree of Neural Awareness equation (DoNA Equation). These components collectively constitute the theory proposed in this paper known as The Theory of General and Complete Consciousness (GCC). The theoretical component of this theory investigates the interaction of memory and the biological algorithm and the subsequent processing and extraction of meaning from stimuli. It investigates the interaction between memory, information processing and cognitive framework, and proposes an analyzation regarding their interactions’ contribution to the ‘conscious experience’ in Homo sapiens. While the mathematical component presents a linear mathematical equation which functions with weighted mathematical values thus forming a weighted model which is intended to estimate the degree to which the neurobiological components of the organism can support the ‘conscious experience’, which is done by incorporating various neurobiological parameters, thus resulting in a quantifiable value known as the DoNA score. The subsequent DoNA score is normalized to form the DoNA Index and enables explorational comparative analysis across species regarding their neurobiological apparatus to support the ‘conscious experience’. This paper further presents an elucidative hypothetical scenario to further elaborate the theoretical framework. It also discusses the assumptions and limitations of this framework and provides the preliminary comparative calculations, using a combination of available neurobiological data and explicitly stated assumptions drawn from that data. Collectively, the proposed framework is presented as a testable theoretical model aimed at investigating the relationship between memory, neural organization and the ‘conscious experience’ in Homo sapiens, while also providing a basis for future empirical investigation and refinement. The proposed framework defines and explores a Two-Fold system by examining both the neurobiological basis and the neurocognitive basis of the ‘conscious experience’ in Homo sapiens thus presenting a Two-Fold system in Homo sapiens.