Spectrum Model of Brain and Consciousness

This chapter examines whether the spectrum model of the brain, which posits that stimulus-induced activity has a hybrid nature, is relevant to consciousness. The author reviews empirical evidence from disorders of consciousness, including vegetative state, anesthesia, and sleep. These findings suggest that loss of consciousness in these conditions is characterized by a shift in stimulus-induced activity toward the passive pole, losing its hybrid nature. The author proposes that the hybrid nature of stimulus-induced activity, including its spatiotemporal integration as described in the spectrum model, is central to the level of consciousness. Consequently, the author concludes the spectrum model is relevant for consciousness.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Is the spectrum model of brain and its assumption of the hybrid nature of stimulus-induced activity relevant for consciousness? That is the focus in the present chapter. I here present various lines of empirical evidence focusing on disorders of consciousness like vegetative state, anesthesia, and sleep. These findings suggest that the loss of consciousness in vegetative state, anesthesia, and sleep is characterized by the loss of the hybrid nature of stimulus-induced activity which shifts more towards the passive pole. This lets me suppose that the hybrid nature of stimulus-induced activity including its spatiotemporal integration as postulated in the spectrum model is central for the level of consciousness. I therefore conclude that the spectrum model of brain is relevant for consciousness.