An Adaptational Theory of Consciousness

Abstract

The adaptational theory of consciousness is a new electromagnetic (EM) field theory of consciousness. It differs from other EM theories by integrating arguments about the mechanism, function, and evolution of consciousness. The development of awareness in the individual is also explained. New hypotheses proposed include (1) a specific resonance of the EM field can open sodium channels, making a strong supervision of neurons possible; and (2) coincidentally, harmonic sounds can produce similar patterns in the EM field. An argument then suggests that the pleasing nature of harmonic sounds reveals something about the physical nature of pleasure as a type of EM pattern. This idea is then linked to free will and to the construction of meaning by the conscious self.