The cognitive reality monitoring network and theories of consciousness.
Neuroscience Research April 1, 2024 Aurelio Cortese, Mitsuo Kawato
The cognitive reality monitoring network (CRMN) model offers a framework for consciousness that addresses all three of David Marr's levels of understanding—computational theory, algorithms, and hardware—unlike most major theories, which target only one or two levels. The CRMN integrates mixture-of-experts architecture, hierarchical reinforcement learning, and generative/inference computing modules. A key feature is mapping a gating network onto the prefrontal cortex, which monitors the accuracy of mental states and distinguishes them from external reality. By building on the cerebral cortex's hierarchical structure, the model may connect research across species and generate testable hypotheses about consciousness.