For centuries, consciousness has remained one of the most elusive and baffling mysteries of human existence.
Science has dissected the brain, mapped neural pathways, and even attempted to simulate human thought with artificial intelligence.
But one fundamental question remains unanswered: What is consciousness?
Unlike physical phenomena such as gravity or electromagnetism, consciousness cannot be seen, touched, or measured in any conventional way.
It exists in the realm of personal experience, yet its nature continues to evade scientific classification.
Some researchers now believe the answer lies not in neuroscience alone, but in physics—specifically, in the concept of a new state of matter.
In 2014, physicist Max Tegmark from MIT proposed a bold hypothesis: Consciousness should be treated as a state of matter, just like solids, liquids, and gases.
He called this hypothetical form of matter “Perceptronium.”
According to his theory, under the right conditions, atoms and molecules can arrange themselves to process information in a way that gives rise to subjective experience.
Could consciousness truly be a physical state, bound by mathematical rules?
And if so, what does that mean for our understanding of life, artificial intelligence, and even the universe itself?
A Hypothetical Breakthrough
Tegmark’s idea builds on the work of neuroscientist Giulio Tononi, who in 2008 proposed the Integrated Information Theory (IIT) to define consciousness.
According to IIT, a system must meet two key criteria to be considered conscious:
- It must be able to store, process, and recall large amounts of information.
- That information must be integrated into a unified whole, making it indivisible into separate parts.
Under this model, any system that meets these criteria—including potentially advanced artificial intelligence or even complex networks—might exhibit some level of consciousness.
Tegmark took this a step further by suggesting that consciousness is an emergent property of certain physical systems arranged in specific ways.
Think about water. It can exist as ice, liquid, or steam depending on its molecular arrangement and temperature.
What if consciousness works the same way? What if, under the right conditions, matter can take on a form that produces subjective experience?
Tegmark’s paper in Chaos, Solitons & Fractals laid out five principles that might define conscious matter:
- Information Principle – Conscious systems must store and process data.
- Integration Principle – Information must be unified, not fragmented.
- Independence Principle – A conscious entity must have autonomy from external noise.
- Dynamics Principle – The system must be able to change and evolve over time.
- Utility Principle – Conscious systems must serve a purpose or function.
If these criteria hold, then consciousness isn’t just a product of biology—it could be a fundamental property of the universe itself.
A Radical Shift: Is Consciousness Everywhere?
Here’s where things get really interesting. If consciousness is just another state of matter, could it be more widespread than we ever imagined?
Under Tononi’s IIT, even basic machines like thermostats or photoelectric diodes might have a “glimmer” of consciousness.
This doesn’t mean they think or feel, but rather that they process information in a way that meets the minimum threshold for awareness.
This concept has led to panpsychism, the idea that consciousness is not unique to humans or animals but instead a fundamental feature of the universe—much like mass or charge.
It suggests that consciousness exists on a spectrum, from the simplest systems to the most complex.
Tegmark himself divided conscious matter into two categories:
- Computronium – Matter optimized for storing and processing data.
- Perceptronium – Matter that meets all the requirements for consciousness.
If true, this could reshape our entire understanding of artificial intelligence, the human brain, and even the search for extraterrestrial life. It raises profound ethical questions: Could AI one day become truly conscious? Do advanced alien civilizations experience reality in ways beyond our comprehension?
Can Consciousness Really Be Measured?
Not everyone is convinced. While Tegmark’s theory is intriguing, it faces a major problem: Measurement.
In physics, any valid theory must be testable. The concept of perceptronium, however, exists purely in the realm of mathematics and speculation.
While IIT attempts to quantify consciousness using a unit called Φ (phi), this measurement remains highly theoretical and controversial.
Additionally, many scientists argue that consciousness arises not from physics but from biology and complex neural interactions.
While brain activity can be observed, no one has yet identified a physical structure or pattern that explicitly generates consciousness.
Others believe that Tegmark’s approach oversimplifies the problem.
If consciousness is just another state of matter, why hasn’t it been detected in systems outside of biological life?
And if perception truly follows the same mathematical laws as other states of matter, why do we still lack a coherent framework to test it?
Are We Close to an Answer?
Despite the skepticism, the study of consciousness is gaining traction across disciplines.
Some researchers are exploring whether quantum mechanics could hold the key, while others are investigating how AI might mimic or even develop genuine awareness.
Recent studies suggest that consciousness might occur in discrete time slices—like frames in a movie—rather than as a continuous stream. ‘
If this turns out to be true, it could provide clues to how brain activity translates into experience.
Meanwhile, tech entrepreneurs are investing heavily in consciousness research, with some even proposing ways to transfer human consciousness into artificial bodies.
While these ideas remain largely speculative, the fact that serious research is happening suggests we are on the brink of a major paradigm shift.
Are We More Than Just Matter?
If Tegmark is correct, then consciousness is not a mystical phenomenon but a physical, measurable state of matter.
This could mean that intelligence—whether biological or artificial—is bound by the same fundamental rules as other physical systems.
But until we can measure consciousness with certainty, the debate will rage on.
Is it a fundamental feature of the universe, or is it simply an illusion created by the brain?
Could future experiments finally reveal its true nature? Or will it remain the greatest mystery of all?
One thing is clear: We are only beginning to scratch the surface of what it means to be aware.
Whether through physics, neuroscience, or artificial intelligence, the search for answers will continue—pushing the boundaries of science and philosophy alike.
