Toward the Physicalization of Biology: Seeking the Chemical Origin of Cognition

Dynamic Kinetic Stability (DKS) and Cognition: The concept of DKS frames living systems as dynamic, energy-dependent assemblies intimately linked to their environments. This dependence fosters a rudimentary sense of "self" and "non-self," which can be viewed as the precursors to cognition and consciousness. Panpsychism, which posits that consciousness is a fundamental property of matter, aligns with this idea, as DKS provides a bridge between material processes and mental phenomena.

Cognition in Bacteria: The document highlights bacterial cognition, where even simple life forms exhibit perception, memory, learning, and decision-making. This broadens cognition beyond neural systems to simpler biological and possibly chemical systems. Such findings resonate with panpsychism's claim that mental properties exist throughout nature.

Chemical Roots of Mind: By tracing cognition to chemical origins, the authors suggest continuity between prebiotic chemistry and biological life. This continuity supports the idea that mental properties could emerge inherently from material processes, aligning with the panpsychist notion that mind or proto-mind is a pervasive aspect of matter.

Evolution of Mind and Body Together: Darwin's view, referenced in the text, that both physical and mental dimensions co-evolve suggests that mental characteristics are intrinsic to the evolutionary process. This perspective reinforces the panpsychist idea that mind is not an emergent property of complexity alone but exists fundamentally.

The Material and Non-Material Interplay: The text underscores how cognition and other non-material aspects of life emerge from material interactions while influencing their environments. Panpsychism similarly emphasizes the inseparability of material and mental dimensions.