The role of information in consciousness.

Attention and consciousness process information differently, and no current theory adequately explains this distinction in informational terms. Information processed through attention is algorithmic, while conscious information processing involves neurobiological homeostatic processes. Subjectivity in consciousness can be understood through unique informational properties such as irreproducible or biologically encrypted information. These proposals could help resolve conflicting accounts of the neural correlates of consciousness and move toward a more unified theoretical framework.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This paper comprehensively examines how information processing relates to attention and consciousness. We argue that no current theoretical framework investigating consciousness has a satisfactory and holistic account of their informational relationship. Our key theoretical contribution is showing how the dissociation between consciousness and attention must be understood in informational terms in order to make the debate scientifically sound. No current theories clarify the difference between attention and consciousness in terms of information. We conclude with two proposals to advance the debate. First, neurobiological homeostatic processes need to be more explicitly associated with conscious information processing, since information processed through attention is algorithmic, rather than being homeostatic. Second, to understand subjectivity in informational terms, we must define information uniqueness in consciousness (e.g., irreproducible information, biologically encrypted information). These approaches could help cognitive scientists better understand conflicting accounts of the neural correlates of consciousness and work towards a more unified theoretical framework.