The Evolution of Consciousness

Abstract

This paper presents a new and positive theory of evolution, as distinct from instancing certain unique features of the phenotype of whatever species, and asking the question 'How could this come about by natural selection of random genetic mutations'. Essentially this paper starts with the premise that intelligence and consciousness comes from the DNA, and that therefore these particular features of life must actually be embedded in the DNA. Once this premise is accepted then not only does the orthodox Neo-Darwinism as 'natural selection through random genetic mutations' appear an oversimplified , if not facile, explanation for the immense complexity and diversity to be found in Nature (which contrary to popular belief actually incudes human civilization as well), but also opens up the possibility that there really could be Intelligent Design coming from within the DNA itself. Erwin Schrödinger's theory of quantum biology that genetic mutations occur as discreet jumps according to the principles of quantum mechanics is also presented and explained.