The conscious access hypothesis: Explaining the consciousness.
Indian Journal of Psychiatry January 1, 2008 DOI: 10.4103/0019-5545.39752 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractConsciousness remains a complex and fascinating phenomenon. While it has been pondered since antiquity, scientific investigation into it is relatively recent. Among the many theories about its nature and mechanisms, cognitive theories have gained wider acceptance. A prominent recent hypothesis is the 'conscious access hypothesis' based on the 'global workspace model of consciousness,' which highlights the global access of information in the cerebral cortex. This article reviews the theoretical foundations of the conscious access hypothesis and the experimental evidence supporting it.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Computation Conscious access Global workspace Information processing Neurobiology |
| Key finding | The conscious access hypothesis, based on the global workspace model, emphasizes the global access of information in the cerebral cortex as a key property of consciousness. |
Abstract
The phenomenon of conscious awareness or consciousness is complicated but fascinating. Although this concept has intrigued the mankind since antiquity, exploration of consciousness from scientific perspectives is not very old. Among myriad of theories regarding nature, functions and mechanism of consciousness, off late, cognitive theories have received wider acceptance. One of the most exciting hypotheses in recent times has been the "conscious access hypotheses" based on the "global workspace model of consciousness". It underscores an important property of consciousness, the global access of information in cerebral cortex. Present article reviews the "conscious access hypothesis" in terms of its theoretical underpinnings as well as experimental supports it has received.