#24 - Michael Johnson | Qualia Formalism & The Symmetry Theory of Valence
Feb 6, 2024
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Philosopher and neuroscientist Michael Johnson discusses qualia formalism, the symmetry theory of valence, and the connection between symmetry and harmony in relation to pleasure and cognition. They also explore somatic practices, creating harmony internally and externally, and building virtue in the nervous system. Additionally, they touch on the concept of major mind dump to improve productivity and Johnson's intellectually ambitious work in philosophy.
Math is a powerful tool to understand consciousness and can provide an exact representation of subjective experiences.
Cognition can be seen as a process of digesting complex sensations, feelings, and thoughts to create a more harmonious state of mind.
Pleasure and positive valence are correlated with symmetries and harmony in the mind's mathematical representation, which can be achieved through virtuous habits and practices like meditation.
Deep dives
Quality of formalism and symmetry theory of valence
The podcast introduces the idea of quality of formalism, which suggests that math is the right approach to understanding consciousness and can provide an exact representation of experience. The symmetry theory of valence builds upon this idea and proposes that the pleasantness of an experience can be determined by evaluating the symmetry of its mathematical representation. The hypothesis is that the more symmetrical a mathematical object representing an experience is, the more pleasant the experience will be.
Digesting complex experiences
The podcast discusses the concept of cognition as digestion, where complex sensations, feelings, and thoughts need to be internalized, digested, and processed in order to extract useful information and create a more harmonious state of mind. By exploring and unpacking these complexities, it becomes possible to transform pain into a more nuanced and complex experience. The process of digestion involves examining different angles and aspects of the experience to find understanding and harmony.
The role of harmony and symmetry in the mind
The podcast suggests that pleasure and positive valence are directly correlated with harmony and symmetry in the mind. When experiences, thoughts, and sensations create symmetries in the mind's mathematical representation, they are perceived as pleasurable. Harmony in the mind is equivalent to pleasure, while broken symmetries result in unpleasant feelings. The goal is to create symmetry and balance in the mind, which can be achieved through practices like meditation and somatic alignment.
Building virtue in the nervous system
The podcast emphasizes the importance of building virtuous habits in the nervous system to reduce tension and enhance well-being. By adopting habits that align with personal values and promote integrity, it is possible to create a sense of harmony and reduce the need for the Vasomuskuler system to clench and hold tension. Virtuous habits also involve practices like meditation, self-reflection, and giving attention to different parts of the body in order to promote somatic alignment and release tension.
Navigating salience and complexity
The podcast acknowledges the challenge of maintaining salience and focus in a world filled with overwhelming information and distractions. It suggests that effective garbage collection techniques, such as the 'Getting Things Done' system, can help organize and prioritize tasks and responsibilities, thus reducing clutter and tension in the mind. Additionally, the podcast recognizes the importance of shared narratives and social technologies, like confession or group rituals, in helping maintain salience and provide a sense of connection and purpose.
Michael Edward Johnson is a philosopher, neuroscientist and entrepreneur. He’s the author of Principia Qualia and the co-founder of the Qualia Research Institute. He’s done pioneering work at the intersection of mathematics and consciousness studies, seeking to systematically map and measure subjective experiences.
