Exploring Consciousness through Entropy and Equilibrium

By: April Carson

Consciousness is arguably the biggest remaining mystery of the human brain. No wonder it is known as “the hard problem.” We can’t even agree whether consciousness is one thing or a variety of different states. However, new ways of exploring that question shed some intriguing light on this most elusive of concepts.

Thinking about consciousness from the perspective of a physicist may be key to figuring out whether it is a single phenomenon or a collection of discrete states. Though we use language like “losing consciousness” for fainting or falling asleep, researchers have long understood that consciousness is more complicated than just flipping a metaphorical switch from “on” to “off”. However, there is still much debate over whether it is a single phenomenon with many continuous shades, which you might picture as a dimmer switch, or a collection of discrete states, like separate television channels.

Thinking about consciousness from the perspective of a physicist may help resolve the question. That’s because the brain constantly shifts between states defined by patterns of electrical signals, and physicists have metrics for examining such busy, ever-changing systems. In 2014, Robin Carhart-Harris at the University of California, San Francisco, and his colleagues hypothesized that entropy may be a particularly useful one.

Entropy describes how disordered a system is. One measure of entropy is how many different microscopic configurations (such as arrangements of water molecules in a glass) there are in a given macroscopic property (such as the volume of that glass). The researchers proposed that brain states with greater entropy, as measured by the variety and number of electrical signals, might correspond to states of higher consciousness.

Entropy and Consciousness

Higher entropy in the brain means there are more possible configurations of neuronal activity, which might be associated with more complex and diverse experiences. For instance, when we are awake and alert, our brains exhibit high entropy, reflecting a wide range of possible thoughts, perceptions, and actions. In contrast, during deep sleep or under anesthesia, brain activity becomes more ordered and predictable, indicating lower entropy.

This perspective aligns with the idea that consciousness is not a single, static state but rather a dynamic range of states that our brain can occupy. Just as a system with higher entropy can explore more possible configurations, a brain with higher entropy might be capable of richer and more varied experiences.

Equilibrium and Consciousness

Another useful concept from physics is equilibrium, a state in which all competing influences are balanced. In the context of consciousness, equilibrium can help explain how our brains maintain a stable state of awareness despite constant changes in external and internal stimuli. Our brain continuously processes information, making adjustments to maintain a balanced state that allows for coherent thought and perception.

Equilibrium doesn’t mean stasis; rather, it involves dynamic stability. The brain can remain in a state of equilibrium while still being highly active and responsive to changes. This dynamic equilibrium is essential for maintaining consciousness, as it ensures that the brain can adapt to new information and experiences while preserving a coherent sense of self and environment.

Bridging the Gap

By applying concepts like entropy and equilibrium, physicists and neuroscientists can bridge the gap between the physical processes in the brain and the subjective experience of consciousness. This interdisciplinary approach offers new ways to understand how our brains generate the rich tapestry of thoughts, feelings, and perceptions that define our conscious experience.

While we may not yet have a complete answer to the hard problem of consciousness, thinking about the brain in terms of entropy and equilibrium provides valuable insights. It suggests that consciousness is a dynamic, multifaceted phenomenon that emerges from the complex interplay of neuronal activity. As we continue to explore this fascinating intersection of physics and neuroscience, we may come closer to unraveling the mystery of consciousness.

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