Johnjoe McFadden: Is Consciousness An Electromagnetic Information Field? The CEMI Field Theory

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Jun 1, 2024

Professor Johnjoe McFadden discusses his theory of consciousness as an electromagnetic information field. Topics include synchronization of neuronal activity, CEMI Field Theory, electromagnetic correlates of consciousness, and the impact of EM fields on death. The conversation dives into the role of electromagnetic fields in memory recall, AI development, brain evolution, and the future of artificial intelligence.

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INSIGHT

The Meat Paradox

The strangeness of a brain, seemingly just meat, being self-aware.
This self-awareness is puzzling and unique, setting it apart from anything outside our heads.

INSIGHT

Consciousness as a Field

Consciousness may be a field, like gravity, unifying information.
This addresses the binding problem: how discrete brain units create a unified experience.

INSIGHT

The CEMI Field Theory

The brain's electromagnetic field, measured by EEGs, might be consciousness.
It contains neuronal information and, unlike matter, is unified, solving the binding problem.

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Johnjoe McFadden is Professor of Molecular Genetics at the University of Surrey, United Kingdom. He obtained his BSc in Biochemistry at the University of London, and his PhD at Imperial College London. He is an accomplished scientist and author. He has written several books, including "Quantum Evolution: Life in the Multiverse" (2000), "Life on the Edge: The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology" (2014), and his latest book "Life Is Simple: How Occam's Razor Set Science Free and Shapes the Universe" (2021). His research interests include systems biology, mycobacterial genetics, pathogenicity of tuberculosis, neisserial genetics, pathogenicity of meningococcal meningitis. However, along with Prof Jim Al-Khalili, he has become best-known for his contributions to the field of Quantum Biology. Prof McFadden also endorses a theory of consciousness wherein consciousness is an electromagnetic information field (known as CEMI Field Theory). TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) - Introduction (0:49) - What is Consciousness? (Quantum Biology) (6:37) - Consciousness as a an Electromagnetic Information Field (15:25) - Synchronization of neuronal activity (Constructive interference & awareness) (18:25) - What is CEMI Field Theory? (21:26) - Not all electromagnetic field theories of consciousness are "mystical" (physicalism vs materialism) (27:10) - NCCs vs Electromagnetic correlates of consciousness (31:30) - Michael Levin's work (35:49) - Consciousness EM Fields & Death (Conservation of Information) (40:25) - When do metaphysical claims break away from science? (Telepathy etc.) (47:05) - Synchronicity (conscious) vs asynchronicity (unconscious) (53:50) - Conscious AI (59:44) - When did our brain's EM Fields evolve "consciousness" and do other animals have it too? (1:04:50) - What does CEMI Field Theory say about Free Will? (1:08:23) - At what "age" (from embryo to adulthood) do our EM Fields synchronize? (1:11:50) - How can CEMI Field Theory make progress? (1:16:20) - Final thoughts 1:18:09 - Conclusion EPISODE LINKS: - Johnjoe's Website: https://johnjoemcfadden.co.uk - Work Website: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/people/johnjoe-mcfadden - Johnjoe's Publications: https://tinyurl.com/2s48mdnd - Johnjoe's Books: https://tinyurl.com/49kp3snf CONNECT: - Website: https://tevinnaidu.com - Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/drtevinnaidu - Twitter: https://twitter.com/drtevinnaidu - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drtevinnaidu - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtevinnaidu - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtevinnaidu ============================= Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational purposes only. The content is shared in the spirit of open discourse and does not constitute, nor does it substitute, professional or medical advice. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening/watching any of our contents. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. Listeners/viewers are advised to conduct their own research and consult with their own experts in the respective fields.