Abstract: Derived from previous observations on equal and cross-frequency coupling, we evaluated the proposal that equal and cross-frequency phase synchronization may characterize the integration-segregation perspective of cerebral sensory-motor processing. Using brain recordings obtained in normal conditions and in conditions of diminished sensory input (eyes closed wakefulness, sleep and...
The field of consciousness research has reached a somewhat contentious atmosphere. From “adversarial collaborations”, where consciousness theories compete, to open letters where researchers label some theories as pseudoscience, the subject is becoming harder to investigate and results difficult to interpret as there is still a significant aura of mysticism rooted in dualism and its modern...
There is such a vast proliferation of scientific theories of consciousness that it is worrying some scholars. There are even competitions to test different theories, and the results are inconclusive. Consciousness research, far from converging toward a unifying framework, is becoming more discordant than ever, especially with respect to theoretical elements that do not have a clear...
Our purpose is to address the biological problem of finding foundations of the organization in the collective activity among cell networks in the nervous system, at the meso/macroscale, giving rise to cognition and consciousness. But in doing so, we encounter another problem related to the interpretation of methods to assess the neural interactions and organization of the neurodynamics, because...
The formation of DID “alters” is examined in the light of what these dissociative phenomena may say about the concepts of the self and consciousness. We will see that each alter is capable of independent thoughts, emotions, sense of self, memories and distinct ways of behaving.
An idea that has been permeating is that as more complexity in simple terms more brain cells and connected neural circuits develops in the nervous system, the more likely it is that high intelligence and the sense of personal identity arises. We will address this issue of complexity in the nervous system and what it says about consciousness and self-awareness.
The philosophy of the Buddhist tradition resonates prominently with what we have seen about self-awareness in Part I and about the nature of life in Part II. It is also very much in line with our title. Being and becoming is the kernel of these Buddhist teachings. We will point out the similarities with the findings of science in the aspects that can help endure life and simplify our lives so...
In this chapter, we will see how it is possible to diminish our selves. Phenomenal self-consciousness involves a relation between the self and objects; the more and stronger the connections between the individual and objects or other people, the greater nourishment for the sense of self. In our world with so many opportunities to possess things, robust attachments arise. Reducing the...
In this chapter the basis of the perception of the body is explored. Related to body perceptions, we shall talk about illusions of ownership and out-of-body experiences. The question of free will be addressed and illustrated with some clinical examples, especially with epileptic patients, that will show what seizures reveal about volition. We will talk about neurostimulation done in patients...
This chapter reviews very briefly some concepts of the self and consciousness throughout history. Hellenistic, Roman and mediaeval neuroscience concepts are described. Parallels with the scientific perspectives explained in the previous chapters are explained.
This chapter provides an overview of the notions of consciousness and the problems that arise with the attempts at defining it. We will explain the essence and source of the apparent mystery of consciousness. To address these issues we will talk about the concept of emergence.
One of the biggest queries in cognitive sciences is the emergence of consciousness from matter. Modern neurobiological theories of consciousness propose that conscious experience is the result of interactions between large-scale neuronal networks in the brain, traditionally described within the realm of classical physics. Here, we propose a generalized connectionist framework in which the...
In an analogous manner as occurred during the development of a connected metabolism that at some point reached characteristics associated with what is called "life"-due mainly to a catalytic closure phenomenon when chemicals started to autocatalyze themselves forming a closed web of chemical reactions-it is here proposed that cognition and consciousness (or features associated with them) arose...
Electromagnetic quantum field interactions provide a deeper understanding of the emergence of consciousness through an ontological interpretation of quantum mechanics. Quasiparticle interactions in brain matter can produce virtual particles, hitherto mathematical conveniences, which reflect the manifold images of brain activities in terms of effects on charged particles that have physical...
There is such a vast proliferation of scientific theories of consciousness that it is worrying some scholars. There are even competitions to test different theories, and the results are inconclusive. Consciousness research, far from converging toward a unifying framework, is becoming more discordant than ever, especially with respect to theoretical elements that do not have a clear...