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Identifying neural correlates of consciousness: The state space approach

Consciousness and Cognition December 1, 2004 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2004.07.001 (opens in new tab)

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AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Key points Proposes that a state space approach and specific requirements based on empirical data can guide the identification of neural correlates of phenomenal awareness.

Abstract

This article sketches an idealized strategy for the identification of neural correlates of consciousness. The proposed strategy is based on a state space approach originating from the analysis of dynamical systems. The article then focuses on one constituent of consciousness, phenomenal awareness. Several rudimentary requirements for the identification of neural correlates of phenomenal awareness are suggested. These requirements are related to empirical data on selective attention, on completely intrinsic selection and on globally unconscious states. As an example, neuroscientific findings on synchronized gamma activity are categorized according to these requirements.