Chapter 1: The Nature of Consciousness

In a lecture delivered in October 1956, Erwin Schrödinger asserted that objective reality does not exist independently; rather, it is contingent upon certain conditions. This perspective hints at a deeper layer of existence that he seemed to overlook.

Recently, I acquired "What is Life," a thought-provoking book by theoretical physicist Erwin Schrödinger, which delves into the essence of life itself. Within its pages, he raises a fundamental question: what constitutes life?

In the early sections, Schrödinger notes that the challenges faced by physics and chemistry in explaining consciousness should not lead us to dismiss the possibility that these fields may eventually unravel such mysteries. However, he appears to sidestep a crucial point—the concept of the mind, which encompasses the entirety of our mental existence. It seems he was intentionally setting the stage for a larger discussion. Later, he posits that reality is shaped by our sensations, perceptions, and memories, yet he leans towards the view that physical entities are the origins of consciousness rather than the reverse.

While psychology and neuroscience have advanced our understanding of the interaction between organisms and their environments, we still find ourselves grappling with profound questions about our identity and the essence of reality. Schrödinger, while linking consciousness to the brain, suggests—though cautiously—the potential for a higher-order reality that precedes the physical realm. Given his background as a physicist, it is understandable that he chose his words carefully to avoid criticism.

Essentially, Schrödinger argues that many functions of the human body operate beneath our conscious awareness due to habitual learning. Just as brushing one’s teeth becomes second nature, he claims that processes like heartbeat regulation and hair growth have also been automated over time. He refers to these processes as "well memorized," suggesting that at some point in our evolutionary journey, we consciously understood the need to perform these functions. However, I find this notion overly simplistic and somewhat absurd.

I resonate more with the idea that my identity is an abstraction. Beyond my physical form, my self-concept is a construct of consciousness shaped by this life experience and everything it entails—from my unique subjective perspective. I perceive myself as an ego housed within a physical body, a manifestation designed by an indescribable aspect of myself to navigate this world. Thus, Schrödinger's theory doesn't align with my understanding. If my identity is merely a product of my experiences, how could it play a role in the evolution of our species? In his writing, Schrödinger seems to conflate consciousness with mere awareness, overlooking the intricate psychic dimensions of human life.

He states, "organic development begins to be accompanied by consciousness only as there are organs that gradually interact with the environment." Essentially, he argues that consciousness emerges from physical processes. If this is indeed the case, then why can't I engage in a meaningful dialogue about reality with a cat?

He concludes his exploration of consciousness by proposing that "Consciousness is associated with the learning of the living substance; it's knowing how is unconsciousness." This raises further questions: was he hinting at a more profound aspect of the self, or did he view unconscious processes as mere mechanical functions? When addressing ethics, Schrödinger remarks that "only those physiological processes become conscious that are still in the stage of being trained…until they become hereditarily fixed." This suggests he primarily adhered to an objectivist viewpoint regarding reality—a perception he likely wished to maintain among his contemporaries.

If Schrödinger's insights from over eighty years ago hold any validity, I should be acutely aware of my heart's decline due to an unhealthy lifestyle, right? Yet, this awareness often eludes us. If we were more attuned to our health, we might realize the adverse effects of our choices and how our DNA could pass on detrimental traits to future generations. Yet, many individuals remain oblivious—until it is too late. Despite the inherent drive for survival, there exist psychological forces that lead individuals toward self-destruction, as seen in alcoholics, smokers, drug users, and anorexics; they often rush toward their demise despite their awareness of the risks.

What accounts for this phenomenon?

Freud demonstrated that the human experience, encompassing both the physical body and our psychological existence, is exceedingly complex, making it nearly impossible to fully grasp its workings. One thing is certain: consciousness transcends the mere cooperation of bodily organs. If you have ever taken the time to contemplate the vastness of your existence or witnessed a loved one take their final breath, you would understand this reality, even if words fail to capture it.

"No, our science is no illusion. But an illusion it would be to suppose that what science cannot give us we can get elsewhere." — Sigmund Freud

Chapter 2: Schrödinger's Perspective on Consciousness

In this chapter, we will explore two significant videos that delve deeper into Schrödinger's theories.

The first video, "Erwin Schrödinger | Physics and the Unity of Consciousness," examines how Schrödinger’s insights contribute to our understanding of consciousness and reality.

The second video, "Schrodinger's Theory of Consciousness," further elaborates on his theories and their implications for our understanding of the mind.