An extended theory of global workspace of consciousness
July 10, 2008 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnsc.2008.02.003 (opens in new tab) via Semantic Scholar
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractGlobal Workspace theory and the Global Neuronal Workspace hypothesis propose that consciousness arises from a global workspace, but they overlook that conscious content can originate from internal mental representations, not just immediate sensory input. The brain's default mode network shows that organized activity occurs without external sensory input, processing inward information. This article combines the default mode network hypothesis with classical Global Workspace theory to propose an extended theory of consciousness, arguing that the global workspace incorporates both sensory and internally generated content.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Computer science Philosophy |
| Key finding | Proposes that the global workspace of consciousness should incorporate the default mode network to account for internally generated conscious content, not just sensory input. |
Abstract
Abstract Global Workspace theory and Global Neuronal Workspace hypothesis are frameworks about the mechanism of the consciousness, which argued that it is the global workspace that makes awareness. These two theories ignored an important fact that the content of consciousness is not only from the instant sensory input, but also from the inward mind representation. The existence of the default mode network of brain indicates that without the sensory input from instant environment, the brain can carry out organized activities which have intense relationship with inward information processing. This article combines the hypothesis of brain’s default mode network and the classical Global Workspace theory, and put forward an extended theory about global workspace of consciousness.