Towards a pluralistic neurobiological understanding of consciousness.
Trends in Cognitive Sciences May 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2023.02.001 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Conscious content Conscious perception Prior knowledge State space States of consciousness Stimulus ambiguity Visual awareness |
| Key points | Argues that the search for generic neural correlates of consciousness may not be fruitful and proposes joint determinant theory (JDT) as a pluralistic framework to accommodate different brain circuit mechanisms for varied conscious contents. |
Abstract
Theories of consciousness are often based on the assumption that a single, unified neurobiological account will explain different types of conscious awareness. However, recent findings show that, even within a single modality such as conscious visual perception, the anatomical location, timing, and information flow of neural activity related to conscious awareness vary depending on both external and internal factors. This suggests that the search for generic neural correlates of consciousness may not be fruitful. I argue that consciousness science requires a more pluralistic approach and propose a new framework: joint determinant theory (JDT). This theory may be capable of accommodating different brain circuit mechanisms for conscious contents as varied as percepts, wills, memories, emotions, and thoughts, as well as their integrated experience.