CONSCIOUSNESS
MONITORING THE DETERMINISTIC DEFAULT & ENABLING WILLED ACTIONS
Consciousness is a deeply interconnected and emergent phenomenon that represents both a consequence of, and a cause within, the complex web of reality. It is not merely a passive byproduct of existence but a dynamic force that interacts with and influences the deterministic structure of the universe.
Nature of Consciousness
AN EMERGENT PHENOMENON
Consciousness arises from the intricate interactions of systems that are emergent themselves—whether biological, neurological, or otherwise. The brain, for instance, is a highly complex system composed of neurons, chemicals, and electrical signals, none of which individually possess consciousness. However, through their interactions, consciousness emerges, transcending the sum of its parts.
Information Integration Theory (IIT), our best framework for understanding how consciousness emerges, even allows for the possibility that consciousness transcends the body as our energy field interacts with our environment.
INFLUENCING THE DETERMINISTIC DEFAULT
In the framework of Das Metaphysics, the universe operates according to a deterministic default, where most actions and reactions follow predictable, fated paths based on prior events. Consciousness is one of the few phenomena that can transcend this deterministic flow. While nearly all processes in the universe follow deterministic principles, consciousness introduces the potential for willed changes, allowing for actions that deviate from what would otherwise be inevitable.
Consciousness involves awareness—both of oneself and the external world. It allows an entity to perceive the deterministic patterns of reality, recognize cause-and-effect relationships, and reflect on those dynamics. More importantly, consciousness enables an individual to willfully act against the deterministic default, influencing the future through choices that are not purely determined by prior events.
CAPACITY, NOT GUARANTEE, TO WILL
At the core of consciousness is the capacity for reflection and awareness, which allows an individual to evaluate their position within the broader context of the emergent mesh of reality. This awareness is crucial for developing free will—the ability to make conscious decisions that transcend the deterministic patterns of the universe and become an original stimulus for the universe to deterministically respond to.
However, not all beings operate with free will consistently. In many cases, individuals fall back into patterns of behavior that are largely shaped by their environment and past experiences. It is only through moments of deep reflection and deliberate thought that true willed changes can occur. In this sense, consciousness is not a fixed trait but a dynamic capability that can be cultivated and strengthened through intentional engagement with the self and the world.