Thermodynamic and Geometric Constraints on Conscious Information Processing

We propose a unified framework defining consciousness not as an emergent magical property, but as a **geometric necessity** of information processing systems operating under strict thermodynamic constraints. By analyzing over 1,000 trajectories of human symbolic output (language and music) and re-analyzing direct neural recordings (ECoG), we identify a universal critical point for conscious integration: a Lyapunov exponent of **$\lambda_L \approx 0.29$**. We demonstrate that the brain operates in a baseline "Scaffolding" state ($\lambda \approx 0.21$, matching instrumental music) and requires specific energy injection to reach the "Conscious" state ($\lambda \approx 0.29$). We further propose a thermodynamic mechanism wherein the Prefrontal Cortex (BA10) acts as a variable resistor, regulating information flow to prevent system overheating, resulting in the generation of "Asymptotic Abstractions" (formerly "God Solutions") or "Local Minimum Discharges" (Lies).

Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2025-12-11
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17904748
Primary Topic
Neural dynamics and brain function
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Thermodynamic and Geometric Constraints on Conscious Information Processing

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Neural dynamics and brain function
article

Thermodynamic and Geometric Constraints on Conscious Information Processing

article en

Abstract

We propose a unified framework defining consciousness not as an emergent magical property, but as a **geometric necessity** of information processing systems operating under strict thermodynamic constraints. By analyzing over 1,000 trajectories of human symbolic output (language and music) and re-analyzing direct neural recordings (ECoG), we identify a universal critical point for conscious integration: a Lyapunov exponent of **$\lambda_L \approx 0.29$**. We demonstrate that the brain operates in a baseline "Scaffolding" state ($\lambda \approx 0.21$, matching instrumental music) and requires specific energy injection to reach the "Conscious" state ($\lambda \approx 0.29$). We further propose a thermodynamic mechanism wherein the Prefrontal Cortex (BA10) acts as a variable resistor, regulating information flow to prevent system overheating, resulting in the generation of "Asymptotic Abstractions" (formerly "God Solutions") or "Local Minimum Discharges" (Lies).

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
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Openalex Percentile: Top 36%
Neural dynamics and brain function
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