Alternative Theories of Consciousness

Abstract

Abstract This chapter critically examines leading neuroscientific and philosophical theories of consciousness, comparing them to the Neural Representation, Binding, and Coherence (NBC) theory. It evaluates prominent neuroscientific models, including global workspace, information integration, and predictive processing, highlighting their strengths in addressing aspects of consciousness but identifying significant limitations, such as neglecting qualitative experiences and failing to explain consciousness comprehensively. Philosophical perspectives, including dualism, panpsychism, and functionalism, are critiqued for their speculative nature and lack of empirical grounding. The chapter proposes ‘coherent materialism’ as a refined approach to the mind–body problem, emphasizing time, space, energy, and historical constraints. By integrating insights from various theories while addressing their shortcomings, NBC emerges as a superior theory, offering robust explanations and predictions about the mechanisms underpinning conscious experience.