Multi-Scale Temporal Resonance Theory of Consciousness (MSTRT): From Molecular Mechanisms to Minimal Functional Specifications, Necessary and Sufficient Conditions, and the Role of Sensory Input, Memory, and Motivational Drive
Qeios May 5, 2026 Yat Ho Tiu
The Multi-Scale Temporal Resonance Theory (MSTRT) proposes that the physical basis of consciousness lies in nonlinear nested coupling (Phase-Amplitude Coupling, PAC) among neural oscillations at multiple temporal scales. This coupling must span a sufficiently broad frequency range, a sufficiently large spatial extent, and must exhibit a specific causal directionality (top-down dominance). The...