Abstract: As we look around, we observe objects and their inter-relations embedded in 4.pi steradian (sr) space; consider relations and processes as objects as well. We especially note that the perceived features of objects are constructed of information or semantic values. Here, `semantic value' refers to what an information expresses but is treated as a value enabling its evaluation by an expression. For instance, semantic values associated with a book in the field of view include shape, size, polygonal surfaces, texture, colors, placement relative to other objects, regular array of leaves, etc. We further notice the apparent realism of the information; it is undeniable, concrete, and non-probabilistic regardless of the external reality of the book. We must accept this observed reality of information as part of the natural universe and seek to establish its foundational basis. Since information does not interact physically, yet undeniably apparent, it must have a non-falsifiable existence in reality. Given the qualitatively different category of information from physically measurable entities in nature, one cannot be constructed of another, even though information may serve as a descriptor for all existence. In this presentation I aim to discuss causal basis of information, a general mechanism of its processing, integration, and abstraction in modular hierarchy that encompass arbitrary object description / construction. We will especially take note of the mechanism's remarkable correspondence to neural function and organization. Explanations to several known phenomena as well as predictions for further observations will be discussed where in context.
The plan of presentation: 1. The reality of information is shown to arise from regularity of causal function in nature. Causal function refers to the function of an object or a state, physical or representational, to effect a regular change within limits, in the respective domains, by which the object or the state is identifiable. 2. The same regularity of causal dependence allows a Generic Expression (GE) to be constructed from the perspective of the dependence of a resultant state of a system on precursor states of interacting systems, which then forms the information of correlation of the resultant state. 3. The GE is then shown to be potent to capture all relations, including temporal and causal relations enabling such relations to be represented by an observable state as its correlate. The mechanics of structure formation (integration) and abstraction of semantics are discussed in detail. 4. The same GE also permits a mechanism of population coding that allows the objects / relations to be represented with arbitrary variations and precision. 5. A principle based on constancy of relations in arbitrary space of semantics is introduced as a uniform mechanism to construct object (including relations and processes) description via structural and functional relations.
About the speaker: Dr. Rajiv Singh completed his Masters degree program in Physics from IIT Kanpur. He worked on a space experiment onboard NASA's space shuttle towards his Ph.D in (Space) Physics from TIFR, Mumbai. Then he shifted to the Radio Astronomy center of TIFR in Pune, where his main contribution was towards the development of software tools and technologies for control, data acquisition, embedded processing, and online observation. During this phase his interest shifted to understanding how the brain works that gives rise to such mystical powers as learning, intelligence, and consciousness. In order to pursue this as a research goal, he shed institutional affiliation. Since then, he has been an independent researcher. For about a decade he was also affiliated to the IT industry in various roles returning back to complete the originally planned development in brain science based on the fundamental basis of reality of information in the physical universe. He has published a work on this topic, Fundamentals of Natural Representation, https://doi.org/10.3390/info9070168 . His another work that he considers substantive as well, The Emergence of Consciousness in a Physical Universe, has not been published so far. He provides a link to the work for the interested members of NIAS. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wHsj7smv6se5PkpRIqHBqC8yzBxNwCN1/view?usp=sharing