Global workspace model of consciousness and its electromagnetic correlates
Ravi Prakash, Om Prakash, Shashi Prakash, Priyadarshi Abhishek, S. Gandotra
Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology July 1, 2008 DOI: 10.4103/0972-2327.42933 (opens in new tab) via Semantic Scholar
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe global workspace of consciousness, first proposed by Baars in 1982, describes how information becomes globally available in the brain, but its origin and mechanism remain poorly understood. One underexplored candidate is the brain's electromagnetic field. This review examines the theoretical framework and neuroimaging evidence for the global workspace model, then turns to electromagnetic field theories of consciousness. It highlights electromagnetic correlates derived from these theories that may underlie the global access phenomenon, suggesting that electromagnetic fields could play a key role in conscious awareness.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Medicine Psychology Physics |
| Key finding | Electromagnetic field theories of consciousness may provide electromagnetic correlates for the global access phenomenon described by the global workspace model. |
Abstract
The global workspace of consciousness was proposed in its elementary framework by Baars, in 1982. Since the time of inception, there have been many speculations and modifications of this theory, but the central theme has remained the same, which refers to the global availability of information in the brain. However, the present understanding about the origin of this global workspace or its mechanism of operation is still deficient. One of the less-studied candidates for this global workspace is the electromagnetic field of the brain. The present work is a brief review of the theoretical underpinnings of the Global workspace model, in terms of its theoretical framework and neuroimaging evidences. Subsequently, we turn towards another broad group of theories of consciousness, in the form of electromagnetic field theories. We then proceed to highlight some electromagnetic correlates derived from these theories for this global access phenomenon.