Explanatory profiles of models of consciousness - towards a systematic classification

Neuroscience of Consciousness, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 2021(2)

Published: Jan. 1, 2021

Abstract Models of consciousness aim to inspire new experimental protocols and aid interpretation empirical evidence reveal the structure conscious experience. Nevertheless, no current model is univocally accepted on either theoretical or grounds. Moreover, a straightforward comparison difficult for conceptual reasons. In particular, we argue that different models explicitly implicitly subscribe notions what constitutes satisfactory explanation, use tools in their explanatory endeavours even explain very phenomena. We thus present framework compare existing field with respect call ‘explanatory profiles’. focus following minimal dimensions: mode mechanisms explanation target explanation. also discuss consequences discussed discrepancies among models. This approach may eventually lead identifying driving assumptions, commitments, predictions better design future testing experiments. Finally, our conclusion points more integrative research, where axiomatic play critical role solving contradictions.

Language: Английский

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Time consciousness: the missing link in theories of consciousness

Neuroscience of Consciousness, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 2021(2)

Published: Jan. 1, 2021

There are plenty of issues to be solved in order for researchers agree on a neural model consciousness. Here we emphasize an often under-represented aspect the debate: time Consciousness and present moment both extend time. Experience flows through succession moments progresses from future predictions, experiences, past memories. However, brief review finds that many dominant theories consciousness only refer brief, static, discrete "functional moments" Very few more extended, dynamic, continuous time, which is associated with conscious experience (cf. "experienced moment"). This confusion between short versus long is, argue, one core Given lack work dedicated consciousness, its study could test novel predictions rival It may different compatible/complementary if aspects taken into account. Or, it turns out no existing theory can fully accommodate then perhaps has something new add. Regardless outcome, crucial step make subjective central object study.

Language: Английский

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An academic survey on theoretical foundations, common assumptions and the current state of consciousness science

Neuroscience of Consciousness, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 2022(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2022

Abstract We report the results of an academic survey into theoretical and methodological foundations, common assumptions, current state field consciousness research. The consisted 22 questions was distributed on two different occasions annual meeting Association Scientific Study Consciousness (2018 2019). examined responses from 166 researchers with backgrounds (e.g. philosophy, neuroscience, psychology, computer science) at various stages their careers junior/senior faculty graduate/undergraduate students). reveal that there remains considerable discussion debate between surveyed about definition way it should be studied. To highlight a few observations, majority respondents believe machines could have consciousness, is gradual phenomenon in animal kingdom, unconscious processing extensive, encompassing both low-level high-level cognitive functions. Further, we show which theories are currently considered most promising by how supposedly cluster together, dependent measures best to index presence or absence neural thought likely signatures consciousness. These findings provide us snapshot views may therefore help prioritize research approaches foster progress.

Language: Английский

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Whole-brain modelling identifies distinct but convergent paths to unconsciousness in anaesthesia and disorders of consciousness

Communications Biology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 5(1)

Published: April 20, 2022

The human brain entertains rich spatiotemporal dynamics, which are drastically reconfigured when consciousness is lost due to anaesthesia or disorders of (DOC). Here, we sought identify the neurobiological mechanisms that explain how transient pharmacological intervention and chronic neuroanatomical injury can lead common reconfigurations neural activity. We developed systematically perturbed a neurobiologically realistic model whole-brain haemodynamic signals. By incorporating PET data about cortical distribution GABA receptors, our computational reveals key role spatially-specific local inhibition for reproducing functional MRI activity observed during with GABA-ergic agent propofol. Additionally, diffusion obtained from DOC patients dynamics characterise loss also emerge randomised connectivity. Our results generalise between datasets, demonstrating increased connectome perturbation represent distinct paths towards characteristic unconscious brain.

Language: Английский

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Electromagnetism’s Bridge Across the Explanatory Gap: How a Neuroscience/Physics Collaboration Delivers Explanation Into All Theories of Consciousness

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 16

Published: June 16, 2022

A productive, informative three decades of correlates phenomenal consciousness (P-Consciousness) have delivered valuable knowledge while simultaneously locating us in a unique and unprecedented explanatory cul-de-sac. Observational are demonstrated to be intrinsically very unlikely explain or lead fundamental principle underlying the strongly emergent 1st-person-perspective (1PP) invisibly stowed away inside them. That lack is now solidly evidenced practice. To escape our impasse, this article focuses on physics (the standard model particle physics), which brings light foundational argument for how brain an essentially electromagnetic (EM) field object from atomic level up. is, multitude P-Consciousness actually descriptions specific EM behaviors that posed (hypothesized) as "the right" correlate by particular theory consciousness. Because this, 30 years empirical progress can reinterpreted as, effect, delivery large body evidence model's quadrant deliver 1PP. all theories are, end, merely recipes select subset totality expression tissue. With universal convergence EM, science becomes collaborative effort between neuroscience physics. The collaboration acts pursuit unified explanation applicable remaining mindful process still contains no real why fields apparent continued however, different: time, way forward opened through its direct connection This first result (Part I). Part II posits, general terms, structural (epistemic) add-on/upgrade has potential missing route subjectivity fields. revised model, under neuroscience/physics collaboration, intimately integrates with existing "correlates of-" paradigm, source evidence. No lost invalidated.

Language: Английский

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Ongoing Brain Activity and Its Role in Cognition: Dual versus Baseline Models

The Neuroscientist, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 29(4), P. 393 - 420

Published: May 25, 2022

What is the role of brain’s ongoing activity for cognition? The predominant perspectives associate brain with resting state, default-mode network (DMN), and internally oriented mentation. This triad often contrasted task states, non-DMN networks, externally mentation, together comprising a “dual model” cognition. In opposition to this duality, however, we propose that serves as neuronal baseline; builds upon Raichle’s original search default mode function extended beyond canonical regions. That entails what refer “baseline model.” Akin an internal biological clock rest organism, may serve point reference or standard by providing shared neural code well including their associated Such manifest in spatiotemporal organization activity, its global signal topography dynamics like intrinsic timescales. We conclude recent empirical evidence supports baseline model over dual model; provides allows integrating DMN non-DMN,

Language: Английский

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Consciousness in a Rotor? Science and Ethics of Potentially Conscious Human Cerebral Organoids

AJOB Neuroscience, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(2), P. 178 - 196

Published: Feb. 15, 2023

Human cerebral organoids are three-dimensional biological cultures grown in the laboratory to mimic as closely possible cellular composition, structure, and function of corresponding organ, brain. For now, lack blood vessels other characteristics human brain, but also capable having coordinated electrical activity. They have been usefully employed for study several diseases development nervous system unprecedented ways. Research on is proceeding at a very fast pace their complexity bound improve. This raises question whether will be able develop unique feature consciousness. If this case, some ethical issues would arise. In article, we discuss necessary neural correlates constraints emergence consciousness according most debated neuroscientific theories. Based this, consider what moral status potentially conscious brain organoid might be, light ontological arguments. We conclude by proposing precautionary principle leads further investigation. particular, outcomes recent experiments entities potential new kind.

Language: Английский

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Whole‐brain analyses indicate the impairment of posterior integration and thalamo‐frontotemporal broadcasting in disorders of consciousness

Human Brain Mapping, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 44(11), P. 4352 - 4371

Published: May 31, 2023

Abstract The study of the brain's dynamical activity is opening a window to help clinical assessment patients with disorders consciousness. For example, glucose uptake and dysfunctional spread naturalistic synthetic stimuli has proven useful characterize hampered However, understanding mechanisms behind loss consciousness following brain injury still missing. Here, we propagation endogenous in‐silico exogenous perturbations in consciousness, based upon directed causal interactions estimated from resting‐state fMRI data, fitted linear model propagation. We found that suffer decreased capacity for neural responsiveness events, this can be related severe reduction metabolism as measured [ 18 F]FDG‐PET. In particular, show malfunctioning two circuits: posterior cortical regions failing convey information, conjunction reduced broadcasting information subcortical, temporal, parietal frontal regions. These results shed light on triangulating network function basic measures integrity behavior.

Language: Английский

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Comparing theories of consciousness: why it matters and how to do it

Neuroscience of Consciousness, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 2021(2)

Published: Jan. 1, 2021

The theoretical landscape of scientific studies consciousness has flourished. Today, even multiple versions the same theory are sometimes available. To advance field, these theories should be directly compared to determine which better at predicting and explaining empirical data. Systematic inquiries this sort seen in many subfields cognitive psychology neuroscience, e.g. working memory. Nonetheless, when we surveyed publications on research, found that most focused a single theory. When 'comparisons' happened, they were often verbal non-systematic. This fact itself could contributing reason for lack convergence between research. In paper, focus how compare ensure comparisons meaningful, whether their predictions parallel or contrasting. We evaluate typically research related subdisciplines provide an example our approach. then examine different reasons why direct rarely seen. One possible explanation is unique nature phenomenon. conclude field embrace uniqueness, set out features account for.

Language: Английский

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Beyond noise to function: reframing the global brain activity and its dynamic topography

Communications Biology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 5(1)

Published: Dec. 8, 2022

Abstract How global and local activity interact with each other is a common question in complex systems like climate economy. Analogously, the brain too displays ‘global’ that interacts local-regional modulates behavior. The brain’s activity, investigated as signal fMRI, so far, has mainly been conceived non-neuronal noise. We here review findings from healthy clinical populations to demonstrate neural basis functions of show (i) closely coupled physiological signals arousal level; (ii) organizes an elaborated dynamic topography coordinates different forms cognition. also postulate Dual-Layer Model including both background surface layers. Together, latest evidence strongly suggests need go beyond view noise by embracing dual-layer model layer.

Language: Английский

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