Neural Field Annealing and Psychedelic Thermodynamics 

Abstract:
The paradigm of Neural Annealing developed at the Qualia Research Institute (QRI) by Andrés Gómez Emilsson and Michael E. Johnson has a lot of explanatory power in the context of meditation and exotic states of consciousness such as those induced by psychedelic agents. The theory posits that there is a sense in which each state of consciousness has an associated level of energy, that there are specific energy sinks and sources in the nervous system, and that internal representations can be modified (and indeed "internal stress" released) with an appropriate heating and cooling schedule (aka. neural annealing). More recently, the theory has been enriched with "non-linear wave computing", which might be capable of formalizing the concept of a (phenomenal) "vibe" for internal representations. Of special interest for the scientific community studying psychedelics and meditation is the recent QRI model of Neural Field Annealing, which combines Hebbian learning with Neural Annealing in order to explain why "highly annealed brains" can instantiate harmonic field behavior (such as the Jhanas). In this talk Andrés will provide an overview of the theory, share empirical results, and discuss its testability based on its unique predictions.
Relevant links:
Overview of the Theory presented at The Stoa ( • The Theory of Neural A... )
Neural Annealing writeup (opentheory.net...)
Application of the Theory for Healing Trauma (qri.org/blog/n...)
A fun video with a conceptual demonstration based on the harmonic modes of a cold-worked metal before and after undergoing annealing ( • Thinking Like a Musica... ).
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The Qualia Research Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research institute studying consciousness in a consistent, meaningful, and rigorous way. The institute combines theoretical paradigms with empirical evidence to advance this new era in consciousness research.
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A big thank you to the organizers of PhilaDelic 2023 for inviting Andrés to give this talk! More information about PhilaDelic can be found here: www.philadelic...