RE: Why Quantum Mechanics can Elucidate the Nature of Consciousness
Regarding how the images out eyes see are processed, don't you think this is amazing? The brains are super powerful computation machines that do not waste the time of our consciousness telling it about all these crazy computations going on behind the scenes. Have you heard about "grid cells"? Another example of how complex mathematical stuff goes on in our brains to make better sense of the world around us.
You mention something interesting about how in our brains, bodies, internet etc. we find these distributed networks made out of nodes. Artificial intelligence ad machine learning uses very complex networks (made our of nodes and weighted connectors) to be able to make decisions. The more I learn about the brain, it seems as if subconsciously our brain sets and solves these very complex networks, and to me, the level of intuition and robustness that they have is overwhelming.
There is certainly a lot to learn still.
It is fascinating learning about the mechanisms by which we experience the world. You are right to point out how all of the computations are far below the level of consciousness. I have studied grid and place cells, and there are some fascinating mathematical models of how the systems operate. Look into these papers if you are interested:
Mehta, Mayank R., Michael C. Quirk, and Matthew A. Wilson. "Experience-dependent asymmetric shape of hippocampal receptive fields." Neuron 25.3 (2000): 707-715.
Burgess12, Neil, et al. "A Grid & Place Cell Model of Path Integration Utilizing Phase Precession Versus Theta." Trial 1.1.7 (2005): 3-5.
Thanks for the recommendations, they are going on the stack.