Mechanistic Theories: Life, Sensation & Consciousness

Mechanistic Theories of Life, Sensation & Consciousness

Exploring the leading scientific theories for the origins of life's most fundamental phenomena

Chemical Origin of Life

RNA World Hypothesis

Self-replicating RNA molecules as both genetic material and catalysts
Metabolism-First Hypotheses

Autocatalytic metabolic networks preceded genetic systems
Hybrid Models

Combining replication and metabolism for mutual reinforcement
Compartmentalization

Formation of protocells via lipid membranes for concentration and protection

Evolution of Sensory Mechanisms

Primitive cells developed receptors for environmental stimuli
Connection to Metabolism

Early metabolic networks integrated sensory functions
Neurobiological Perspectives

Specialized neurons and neural circuits for sensation
Global Neuronal Workspace Theory

Sensory information becomes conscious when broadcast globally

Integrated Information Theory (IIT)

Consciousness corresponds to integrated information in neural networks
Global Neuronal Workspace Theory (GNWT)

Consciousness emerges when information is distributed across cortical regions
Electromagnetic Theories

Brain EM fields unify neural information, solving the "binding problem"
Biochemical Basis

Neurotransmitters, ion channels, and neural oscillations critical for consciousness

Dynamic Kinetic Stability (DKS)

Systems that efficiently replicate and evolve are favored, driving complexity

Autocatalysis

Self-amplifying reactions leading to exponential growth of molecules

Continuity from Chemistry to Consciousness

Abiogenesis and biological evolution as part of a continuous process

The Hard Problem

Why and how subjective experience arises from physical processes