Thoughtforms Life Conversation between Donald Hoffman and Richard Watson
Mar 28, 2024
Cognitive scientist Donald Hoffman and evolutionary biologist Richard Watson dive deep into perception, consciousness, and the nature of reality. Hoffman discusses the unique interplay of Markov kernels in cognition, proposing that observation is a participatory act. Watson introduces a model of agency as a rhythm of sensing and action, likening organisms to resonators with enhanced capabilities. They explore the mathematical and philosophical connections between cognition, spacetime, and possibilities in quantum physics, emphasizing the need for collaborative research in this intriguing field.
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Trace Order Of Markov Kernels
- Donald Hoffman maps these ideas to Markov kernels and defines a trace order where one kernel observes another via traces.
- This produces a non-boolean heterarchy of observers with local Boolean structure and harmonic eigenfunctions analogous to quantum wavefunctions.
Formal Theory Of Observation
- Hoffman proposes a formal theory of observers: observation = trace operation between Markov kernels.
- He maps observers to stationary probability measures and uses Lebesgue logic to link observation to probabilistic belief.
Shared Harmonics Enable Observation
- Watson frames resonant stacks of frequencies as 'songs' and emphasizes relationships (octave structure) over mere frequency lists.
- Observability requires shared harmonic structure, not just overlapping spectral content.