Category theory in consciousness science: going beyond the correlational project

Synthese, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 204(2)

Published: Aug. 5, 2024

Abstract We discuss the potential of applying category theory to study consciousness. first review a recent proposal from neurosciences consciousness illustrate “correlational project”, using integrated information as an example. then some technical preliminaries related categories and in particular notion functor, which carries bulk conceptual weight many current discussions. look at possible payoffs this project—getting grips with hard problem, integration, exploiting explanatory dualities—and avenues for further research, stressing need better develop categorical representation consciousness, its phenomenological structure. A understanding cannot be achieved by merely studying physical brain. By contrast, treatment even suggests application beyond domain neuroscience, example computer science artificial intelligence while also emphasizing primacy (phenomenal) experience.

Language: Английский

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Cortical activations in cognitive task performance at multiple frequency bands

Cerebral Cortex, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 34(12)

Published: Dec. 1, 2024

Abstract Neural oscillations are fundamental for brain function and govern various cognitive processes. Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging advances offer the opportunity to study frequency-specific properties of blood-oxygen-level-dependent at multiple frequency bands. However, most have focused on spontaneous activity in resting state, leaving a gap direct evidence regarding specific activations tasks across different We aim address this by exploring role bands used task-functional data 339 healthy young adults from Human Connectome Project map activation patterns performing seven (ie slow-1 slow-6). Our findings revealed that associated with distinct task-activation patterns. Specifically, slow-1/2/3 primarily contribute local sensory information processing, while slow-4 is crucial functions. Slow-5 involved processes require greater memory load, integrated attention maintenance. This underscores importance analyzing broad range capture full spectrum function, highlighting diverse roles activity, shedding light underlying mechanism brain–behavior associations.

Language: Английский

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In search of lost time: Integrated information theory needs constraints from temporal phenomenology

Philosophy and the Mind Sciences, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 3

Published: June 3, 2022

Integrated information theory (IIT) of consciousness proposes an identity between its causal structure and phenomenology. Through this assertion, IIT aims to explain by prioritizing first-person experience. However, despite phenomenology-first stance, developments in have overlooked temporality. As such, we argue that at present IIT’s phenomenological analysis is incomplete. In critique, show how takes a non-identical illusionist stance towards the experiences continuity, flow, extent our experiences. Moreover, isolating temporal grains experience single timescale, misses out on capturing multi-scale nested nature phenomena. Hence, contend needs axiom for time, through which can be refined account Here, propose address these concerns. We conclude discussing may need revised if concerns hold true.

Language: Английский

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Highly connected and highly variable: A Core brain network during resting state supports Propofol‐induced unconsciousness

Human Brain Mapping, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 44(2), P. 841 - 853

Published: Oct. 11, 2022

Despite that leading theories of consciousness make diverging predictions for where and how neural activity gives rise to subjective experience, they all seem partially agree the correlates (NCC) require globally integrated brain across a network functionally specialized modules. However, it is not clear yet whether such functional configurations would be able identify NCC. We scanned resting-state fMRI data from 21 subjects during wakefulness, propofol-induced sedation, anesthesia. Graph-theoretical analyses were conducted on awake search NCC candidates as regions exhibit both high rich-clubness modular variability, which found locate in prefrontal temporoparietal cortices. Another independent set 10 highly-sampled was used validate distribution at individual level. Brain module-based dynamic analysis revealed two discrete reoccurring states, one dominated by (state 1), while other state predominately composed primary sensory/motor 2). Moreover, 1 appeared temporally more stable than 2, suggesting identified members could sustain conscious content metastable representations. Finally, we showed modulated terms connectedness variability response loss induced propofol This work offers framework charting topology provides new insights into understanding roles different underpinning human consciousness.

Language: Английский

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Entropy and Cross-Level Orderliness in Light of the Interconnection between the Neural System and Consciousness

Entropy, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 25(3), P. 418 - 418

Published: Feb. 25, 2023

Despite recent advances, the origin and utility of consciousness remains under debate. Using an evolutionary perspective on consciousness, this review elaborates promising theoretical background suggested in temporospatial theory which outlines world-brain alignment as a critical predisposition for controlling behavior adaptation. Such system can be evolutionarily effective only if it provide instant cohesion between subsystems, is possible performs intrinsic activity modified light incoming stimulation. One assume that interaction results particular interference pattern predetermined by connectome complexity. This what organisms experience their exclusive subjective state, allowing anticipation regularities environment. Thus, anticipative emerge regular environment, guides natural selection reinforcing corresponding reactions decreasing entropy. Subsequent evolution requires complicated, layered structures traced from simple to human society. allows us consider mode entropy subject rather than individual entity.

Language: Английский

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