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The Homeostasis Theory of Cognition and Consciousness (HTCC)

Amol Kelkar (kelkar.amol@gmail.com)

Abstract

The nature and origins of cognition and consciousness remain central questions in neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy. In this paper, we propose the Homeostasis Theory of Cognition and Consciousness (HTCC), a novel framework that traces the emergence of these phenomena to the fundamental principles of biological homeostasis.

Central to the HTCC is the idea that the brain evolved to maintain physiological homeostasis through increasingly complex control mechanisms. From simple sensory-motor connections to the emergence of intermediate neurons, the introduction of non-linearities in signal transmission allowed for the representation and regulation of diverse homeostatic variables. As organisms faced more challenging environments, the array of homeostatic variables expanded, necessitating the evolution of flexible control systems capable of instantiating arbitrary and transient variables to represent temporally extended goals.

We propose that this ability to establish and manage cognitive homeostatic variables underlies the emergence of cognition. By setting up these variables, organisms can engage in longer-term planning and goal-directed behavior, while the interplay between cognitive and physiological homeostasis gives rise to complex interactions and emergent properties. Crucially, the HTCC posits that while organisms have control over establishing cognitive variables, while the resulting actions are governed by homeostatic control mechanisms, thus putting limits on free-will.

In addition to cognition, the HTCC proposes a novel explanation for the emergence of phenomenal consciousness and subjective experiences (qualia). We argue that the self model, a crucial component of consciousness, is instantiated by the neural activity executing tight homeostatic activity loops at any given moment. The ever-changing nature of the self-models, as it shifts between different dynamical regimes, gives rise to the subjective, felt quality of conscious experiences because the self model is actually implemented differently. In other words, qualia emerge as a result of the dynamic implementation of the self model, leading to the felt rather than merely observed nature of subjective experience. This perspective offers a fresh approach to the hard problem of consciousness, linking the phenomenal aspects of consciousness to the fundamental principles of homeostasis and the brain’s dynamic self-modeling processes.

The HTCC offers a unifying framework for understanding the evolution and functioning of cognition and consciousness, grounded in the principles of biological homeostasis. We discuss the neural basis of cognitive homeostatic variables, the relationship between cognitive and physiological homeostasis, and the implications of the HTCC for artificial intelligence and robotics. By providing a fresh perspective on these fundamental questions, the HTCC aims to stimulate further research and contribute to the ongoing dialogue in the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy.

Keywords: homeostasis, cognition, consciousness, qualia, evolution, neural mechanisms, artificial intelligence

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