Testing the Brain Wave Hypothesis
arXiv Preprint Archive July 25, 2024 via arXiv
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA wave-like excitation in animal brains may serve as a working spatial memory for representing three-dimensional space. The hypothesis is supported by evidence from multiple fields, including connectomics, computational modeling, experimental neuroscience, genomics, proteomics, animal behavior, and biophysics. If such a wave exists, it could plausibly be identified as the source of consciousness, potentially advancing understanding of the mind and reshaping views of human cognition.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Q-bio.nc Neuroscience Spatial cognition Brain mapping |
| Key finding | A proposed wave excitation in animal brains may represent three-dimensional space as working spatial memory and, if confirmed, could be the source of consciousness. |
Abstract
It has been proposed that there is a wave excitation in animal brains, whose function is to represent three-dimensional space around the animal as a working spatial memory. After surveying the evidence supporting the hypothesis, I discuss ways in which it can be tested. There are many ways to investigate it, theoretically and experimentally. They include connectome studies, computational modelling, experimental neuroscience, genomics and proteomics, studies of animal behaviour, and biophysics. If the wave exists, there is a compelling case to identify it as the source of consciousness. This would advance our understanding of one of the greatest scientific challenges of all time, while changing our view of the human mind.