Scientists compete to win $100,000 consciousness research prize

[UM-Bot]

More than 100 projects have been put forward in a bid to unlock the secrets of consciousness.

https://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/news/366776/scientists-compete-to-win-100000-consciousness-research-prize

[Portre]

Step 1: Define consciousness.

[fred_mc]

On 5/11/2023 at 6:14 PM, Portre said:

Step 1: Define consciousness.

Good point, could it be the ability to think "I exist.".

[Abramelin]

3 hours ago, fred_mc said:

Good point, could it be the ability to think "I exist.".

Yes. But how do *I* know YOU are conscious? Because you say "I exist"?

[+OverSword]

22 hours ago, Abramelin said:

Yes. But how do *I* know YOU are conscious? Because you say "I exist"?

I’ve seen AI claim that as well as feelings. 

[Portre]

On 5/12/2023 at 10:24 PM, fred_mc said:

Good point, could it be the ability to think "I exist.".

Who is the "I" that thinks it exists?

[Abramelin]

On 5/14/2023 at 9:04 AM, OverSword said:

I’ve seen AI claim that as well as feelings. 

So saying to someone "I exist" doesn't prove a thing.

And we all knew that.

They have done experiments on apes and corvids (magpies) that showed they - eventually - recognized themselves in a mirror.

But AI can be programmed to do the same.

Maybe .... consciousness is not thàt special as we love to think it is.

[quiXilver]

Awareness is.

To this one, that seems beyond doubting.  All else is open to exploration.

Really pleased to see research in this field.

 

Where it abides, its nature, its consistency, its potential fields of influence, how it arises, does it arise or is it the cause of arising?  All fascinating topics... really appreciate the continuing and expanding exploration of Consciousness.

[Sojo]

Consciousness is another form of energy. Here is what the Energy Information Administration says energy is:

What is energy? Forms of energy

Forms of energy

Many forms of energy exist, but they all fall into two categories:

• Potential energy
• Kinetic energy

Potential energy

Potential energy is stored energy and the energy of position.

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Chemical energy is energy stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules. Batteries, biomass, petroleum, natural gas, and coal are examples of chemical energy. For example, chemical energy is converted to thermal energy when people burn wood in a fireplace or burn gasoline in a car's engine.

Mechanical energy is energy stored in objects by tension. Compressed springs and stretched rubber bands are examples of stored mechanical energy.

Nuclear energy is energy stored in the nucleus of an atom—the energy that holds the nucleus together. Large amounts of energy can be released when the nuclei are combined or split apart.

Gravitational energy is energy stored in an object's height. The higher and heavier the object, the more gravitational energy is stored. When a person rides a bicycle down a steep hill and picks up speed, the gravitational energy is converting to motion energy. Hydropower is another example of gravitational energy, where gravity forces water down through a hydroelectric turbine to produce electricity.

Kinetic energy

Kinetic energy is the motion of waves, electrons, atoms, molecules, substances, and objects.

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Radiant energy is electromagnetic energy that travels in transverse waves. Radiant energy includes visible light, x-rays, gamma rays, and radio waves. Light is one type of radiant energy. Sunshine is radiant energy, which provides the fuel and warmth that make life on earth possible.

Thermal energy, or heat, is the energy that comes from the movement of atoms and molecules in a substance. Heat increases when these particles move faster. Geothermal energy is the thermal energy in the earth.

Motion energy is energy stored in moving objects. The faster they move, the more energy is stored. It takes energy to get an object moving, and energy is released when an object slows down. Wind is an example of motion energy. A dramatic example of motion energy is a car crash—a car comes to a total stop and releases all of its motion energy at once in an uncontrolled instant.

Sound is energy moving through substances in longitudinal (compression/rarefaction) waves. Sound is produced when a force causes an object or substance to vibrate. The energy is transferred through the substance in a wave. Typically, the energy in sound is smaller than in other forms of energy.

Electrical energy is delivered by tiny charged particles called electrons, typically moving through a wire. Lightning is an example of electrical energy in nature.

 

All they need to do is add another category of "Conscious Energy"

Here is an metaphorical example of how it works:

http://hihtindia.org/energy-of-consciousness-in-the-human-personality-by-swami-rama-4/

Okay, now where's my $100,000?

Sojo