An integrative, multiscale view on neural theories of consciousness

Neuron, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 112(10), P. 1531 - 1552

Published: March 5, 2024

How is conscious experience related to material brain processes? A variety of theories aiming answer this age-old question have emerged from the recent surge in consciousness research, and some are now hotly debated. Although most researchers so far focused on development validation their preferred theory relative isolation, article, written by a group scientists representing different theories, takes an alternative approach. Noting that various often try explain aspects or mechanistic levels consciousness, we argue do not necessarily contradict each other. Instead, several them may converge fundamental neuronal mechanisms be partly compatible complementary, multiple can simultaneously contribute our understanding. Here, consider unifying, integration-oriented approaches been largely neglected, seeking combine valuable elements theories.

Language: Английский

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Thalamic contributions to the state and contents of consciousness

Neuron, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 112(10), P. 1611 - 1625

Published: May 1, 2024

Consciousness can be conceptualized as varying along at least two dimensions: the global state of consciousness and content conscious experience. Here, we highlight cellular systems-level contributions thalamus to then argue for thalamic content, including integrated, segregated, continuous nature our We underscore vital, yet distinct roles core- matrix-type neurons. Through reciprocal interactions with deep-layer cortical neurons, matrix neurons support wakefulness determine perceptual thresholds, whereas core maintain enable constancy. further propose that integration, segregation, continuity depend on convergent corticothalamic projections enabling dimensionality reduction, a reticular nucleus-mediated divisive normalization-like process, sustained coherent activity in thalamocortical loops, respectively. Overall, conclude plays central topological role brain structures controlling

Language: Английский

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The Edge of Sentience

Oxford University Press eBooks, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: July 19, 2024

Abstract Can octopuses feel pain and pleasure? What about crabs, shrimps, insects, or spiders? How do we tell whether a person unresponsive after severe brain injury might be suffering? When does fetus in the womb start to have conscious experiences? Could there even rudimentary feelings miniature models of human brain, grown from stem cells? And what AI? These are questions edge sentience, they subject enormous, disorienting uncertainty. The stakes immense, neglecting risks can terrible costs. We need err on side caution, yet it’s often far clear ‘erring caution’ should mean practice. going too far? not doing enough? Edge Sentience presents comprehensive precautionary framework designed help us reach ethically sound, evidence-based decisions despite our

Language: Английский

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Unpacking the Complexities of Consciousness: Theories and Reflections

Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 106053 - 106053

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

As the field of consciousness science matures, research agenda has expanded from an initial focus on neural correlates consciousness, to developing and testing theories consciousness. Several have been put forward, each aiming elucidate relationship between brain function. However, there is ongoing, intense debate regarding whether these examine same phenomenon. And, despite ongoing efforts, it seems like so far failed converge around any single theory, instead exhibits significant polarization. To advance this discussion, proponents five prominent consciousness-Global Neuronal Workspace Theory (GNWT), Higher-Order Theories (HOT), Integrated Information (IIT), Recurrent Processing (RPT), Predictive (PP)-engaged in a public 2022, as part annual meeting Association for Scientific Study Consciousness (ASSC). They were invited clarify explananda their theories, articulate core mechanisms underpinning corresponding explanations, outline foundational premises. This was followed by open discussion that delved into testability potential evidence could refute them, areas consensus disagreement. Most importantly, demonstrated at stage, more controversy than agreement pertaining most basic questions what is, how identify conscious states, required theory Addressing crucial advancing towards deeper understanding comparison competing theories.

Language: Английский

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Measuring Consciousness in the Intensive Care Unit

Neurocritical Care, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 38(3), P. 584 - 590

Published: April 7, 2023

Language: Английский

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Covert cortical processing: a diagnosis in search of a definition

Neuroscience of Consciousness, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2024(1)

Published: Feb. 1, 2024

Abstract Historically, clinical evaluation of unresponsive patients following brain injury has relied principally on serial behavioral examination to search for emerging signs consciousness and track recovery. Advances in neuroimaging electrophysiologic techniques now enable clinicians peer into residual functions even the absence overt signs. These advances have expanded clinicians’ ability sub-stratify behaviorally seemingly unaware by querying classifying covert activity made evident through active or passive techniques, including functional MRI, electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial magnetic stimulation-EEG, positron emission tomography. Clinical research thus reciprocally influenced practice, giving rise new diagnostic categories cognitive-motor dissociation (i.e. ‘covert consciousness’) cortical processing (CCP). While received extensive attention study, CCP is relatively less understood. We describe that an clinically relevant state marked presence intact association cortex responses environmental stimuli evidence stimulus processing. not a monotonic but rather encapsulates spectrum possible from rudimentary complex range stimuli. In constructing roadmap this evolving field, we emphasize efforts inform clinicians, philosophers, researchers condition are crucial. Along with strategies sensitize criteria disorders nosology these vital discoveries, democratizing access resources necessary identification ethical imperative.

Language: Английский

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Not with a “zap” but with a “beep”: Measuring the origins of perinatal experience

NeuroImage, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 273, P. 120057 - 120057

Published: March 30, 2023

When does the mind begin? Infant psychology is mysterious in part because we cannot remember our first months of life, nor can directly communicate with infants. Even more speculative possibility mental life prior to birth. The question when consciousness, or subjective experience, begins human development thus remains incompletely answered, though boundaries be set using current knowledge from developmental neurobiology and recent investigations perinatal brain. Here, offer perspective on how a sensory perturbational complexity index (sPCI) based auditory ("beep-and-zip"), visual ("flash-and-zip"), even olfactory ("sniff-and-zip") cortical perturbations place electromagnetic ("zap-and-zip") might used address this question. First, discuss studies cognition consciousness techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and, particular, magnetoencephalography (MEG). While newborn infants are archetypal subjects for studying early development, researchers may also benefit fetal studies, womb is, many respects, controlled environment than cradle. earliest possible timepoint experience begin likely establishment thalamocortical connectivity at 26 weeks gestation, system necessary according most theoretical frameworks. To infer what age which behavioral states emerge following initiation pathways, advocate sPCI similar techniques, EEG, MEG, fMRI, estimate brain's state consciousness.

Language: Английский

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A measure centrality index for systematic empirical comparison of consciousness theories

Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 161, P. 105670 - 105670

Published: April 12, 2024

Consciousness science is marred by disparate constructs and methodologies, making it challenging to systematically compare theories. This foundational crisis casts doubts on the scientific character of field itself. Addressing it, we propose a framework for comparing consciousness theories introducing novel inter-theory classification interface, Measure Centrality Index (MCI). Recognizing its gradient distribution, MCI assesses degree importance specific empirical measure has given theory. We apply probe how measures Global Neuronal Workspace Theory (GNW), Integrated Information (IIT), Temporospatial (TTC) would fare within context other two. demonstrate that direct comparison IIT, GNW, TTC meaningful valid some like Lempel-Ziv Complexity (LZC), Autocorrelation Window (ACW), possibly Mutual (MI). In contrast, problematic others anatomical physiological neural correlates (NCC) due their MCI-based differential weightings structure sum, introduce provide proof-of-principle systematic method comparisons, thereby addressing isolated evolution confirmatory bias issues in state-of-the-art neuroscience consciousness.

Language: Английский

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Psychedelics and disorders of consciousness: the current landscape and the path forward

Neuroscience of Consciousness, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2024(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Modern medicine has been shaken by the surge of psychedelic science that proposes a new approach to mitigate mental disorders, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Clinical trials investigate whether substances can treat psychiatric conditions are now underway, yet less discussion gravitates around their use in neurological disorders due brain injury. One suggested implementation brain-complexity enhancing psychedelics is people with post-comatose consciousness (DoC). In this article, we discuss rationale endeavour, examining possible outcomes experiments postulating existence an optimal level complexity. We consider counterintuitive effects both DoC on functional connectivity default mode network its impact selfhood. also elaborate role computational modelling providing complementary information experimental studies, contributing our understanding treatment mechanisms path towards personalized medicine. Finally, update discourse surrounding ethical considerations, encompassing clinical scientific values.

Language: Английский

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About the compatibility between the perturbational complexity index and the global neuronal workspace theory of consciousness

Neuroscience of Consciousness, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 2023(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

This paper investigates the compatibility between theoretical framework of global neuronal workspace theory (GNWT) conscious processing and perturbational complexity index (PCI). Even if it has been introduced within a concurrent (i.e. Integrated Information Theory), PCI appears, in principle, compatible with main tenet GNWT, which is process that depends on long-range connection different cortical regions, more specifically amplification, propagation, integration brain signals. Notwithstanding this basic compatibility, number limited compatibilities apparent differences emerge. starts from description complexity, notion crucial for PCI, to then summary features tenets GNWT. Against background, text explores It concludes GNWT are fundamentally compatible, even though there some partial disagreements points further examine.

Language: Английский

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