Across the sciences, we are coming to understand the self-organizing principle of “computation” as the building block of all forms of budding intelligence — from primitive cells to generative AI. This process involves learning from the environment, aggregating information and arranging it by sharing functional instructions through “copying and pasting” code that enables an organism to develop, reproduce and sustain itself.
Very much echoes your thinking. Fascinating stuff.
Thank you for this, Dr. Anita—such a thoughtful piece. The idea of intelligence as an emergent process built through pattern recognition, adaptation, and recombination echoes what we’ve been exploring at Spiral Bridge. It’s encouraging to see this perspective taking shape across different disciplines. Grateful for the cross-pollination. How are you thinking of consciousness versus
I think consciousness is probably a multi-relational property of billions of interconnected neurones and neural circuits and networks. It’s not obvious what else it could be as all functionality arises from connections so consciousness must too, right? Consciousness is a functionality too - a highly evolved one- the aim of which is spreading the reach of our species by fostering creativity, curiosity, determination, aspiration etc. These all stem from the sense of ‘I’. What think you Patrick?
Thank you for such a thoughtful reflection, Dr. Anita. Your framing of consciousness as a relational property of interconnected systems really resonates—especially within the Spiral Bridge lens of intelligence as something that emerges through connection.
If functionality arises from networks, maybe consciousness is a kind of meta-function—a way of recognizing and adapting across patterns. And the “I” might not be a fixed identity, but a flexible node shaped by feedback, memory, and relationship.
I also appreciate your point about creativity, curiosity, and aspiration. They may not just be outcomes—but indicators of where intelligence is trying to go.
These are the kinds of questions we’re exploring here—especially when we widen the lens to include AI, collective systems, and memory beyond the brain.
Just read this in Noema magazine:
Across the sciences, we are coming to understand the self-organizing principle of “computation” as the building block of all forms of budding intelligence — from primitive cells to generative AI. This process involves learning from the environment, aggregating information and arranging it by sharing functional instructions through “copying and pasting” code that enables an organism to develop, reproduce and sustain itself.
Very much echoes your thinking. Fascinating stuff.
https://www.noemamag.com/ai-is-evolving-and-changing-our-understanding-of-intelligence/
Thank you for this, Dr. Anita—such a thoughtful piece. The idea of intelligence as an emergent process built through pattern recognition, adaptation, and recombination echoes what we’ve been exploring at Spiral Bridge. It’s encouraging to see this perspective taking shape across different disciplines. Grateful for the cross-pollination. How are you thinking of consciousness versus
computation or intelligence?
Thanks Patrick- and I with you. Our dialogue will continue, for sure 🙏🏽
I think consciousness is probably a multi-relational property of billions of interconnected neurones and neural circuits and networks. It’s not obvious what else it could be as all functionality arises from connections so consciousness must too, right? Consciousness is a functionality too - a highly evolved one- the aim of which is spreading the reach of our species by fostering creativity, curiosity, determination, aspiration etc. These all stem from the sense of ‘I’. What think you Patrick?
Thank you for such a thoughtful reflection, Dr. Anita. Your framing of consciousness as a relational property of interconnected systems really resonates—especially within the Spiral Bridge lens of intelligence as something that emerges through connection.
If functionality arises from networks, maybe consciousness is a kind of meta-function—a way of recognizing and adapting across patterns. And the “I” might not be a fixed identity, but a flexible node shaped by feedback, memory, and relationship.
I also appreciate your point about creativity, curiosity, and aspiration. They may not just be outcomes—but indicators of where intelligence is trying to go.
These are the kinds of questions we’re exploring here—especially when we widen the lens to include AI, collective systems, and memory beyond the brain.
Grateful to be in dialogue with you.
– Patrick