The biology of consciousness from the bottom up

Abstract

This essay aims to outline a scientific approach to the investigation of consciousness emphasizing achievements and promise of hardcore bottom-up biology. We propose to contemplate what would be the minimal requirements of consciousness in the simplest of life forms. We show that, starting from the molecular nuts and bolts of such life forms, it is the extreme multitudinousness of the moving material components forming consciousness, and their organized swarming, that appears outstanding. This is in stark contrast with the impression obtained from introspection that consciousness is a single, unconstrained, immaterial stream.

Synthetic Biology: Old and New Dilemmas—The Case of Artificial Life

“…We understand the complexity of the term consciousness, thus we choose a more biological approach in our effort to specify it. We also stress the need for up to date legislation with research concerning levels of consciousness in living beings [ 35 , 36 ]. Simpler life forms, such as viruses, bacteria or protozoa, could be generated according to safety and security regulations.…”