Atlas of Consciousness — Vol 3 Established and Exploratory Models: Neuroscience, Integration, Coherence, and Derived Expression

Volume 3 of the Atlas of Consciousness presents established and exploratory models as accounts of closure support rather than complete ontologies of phenomenal origin. It examines neural correlates, recurrent processing, synchrony, attention, memory, report, embodiment, failure modes, Global Workspace Theory, Integrated Information Theory, predictive processing, functionalism, computation, Orch-OR, quantum biology, bioelectric models, cellular cognition, and organismic integration. The volume does not declare one theory victorious but places each model according to what it actually explains: expression, access, integration, regulation, and support conditions, not the ontological origin of phenomenal presence.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The territory of Volume 3. Volume 3 is the first major territory volume after the key and the map. It places established and exploratory models as grounded accounts of closure support rather than complete ontologies of phenomenal origin. Volume 3 is the first territory volume of the Atlas of Consciousness. Volume 1 supplied the key: consciousness as internal coherence under closure. Volume 2 supplied the map: every consciousness model must be placed by ontological rung, scale of organization, coherence orientation, and epistemic tier. Volume 3 now enters the first major territory: established and exploratory models. This volume stays close to neuroscience, cognitive science, information theory, embodiment, and serious exploratory biology. It examines neural correlates, recurrent processing, synchrony, attention, memory, report, embodiment, failure modes, Global Workspace Theory, Integrated Information Theory, predictive processing, functionalism, computation, Orch-OR, quantum biology, bioelectric models, cellular cognition, and organismic integration. The purpose is not to declare one theory victorious. The purpose is to place each model. Established and exploratory theories are read as accounts of derived expression and closure support rather than complete ontologies of phenomenal origin. The governing distinction is: established and exploratory models explain expression, access, integration, regulation, and support conditions. They do not, by themselves, establish the ontological origin of phenomenal presence. This separation protects empirical research from overclaim while preserving its dignity. Neural correlates remain essential. Cognitive access models remain essential. Integration theories remain essential. Embodiment and biology remain essential. But each is placed according to what it actually explains.