Consciousness in Biogenetic Structural Theory
Anthropology of Consciousness March 1, 1992 DOI: 10.1525/ac.1992.3.1-2.17 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 39 |
| Key points | Proposes that consciousness arises from entrainment among neural models derived from initial "neurognostic" models, with the "conscious network" following a circadian cycle; argues that societies ritually regulate transitions between phases of consciousness and interpret them through their cosmology, and highlights neurophenomenology and studies of transpersonal experience and early development. |
Abstract
Biogenetic structural theory takes an entrainment view of the nature of consciousness. Human consciousness is a function of the brain and is mediated by networks of living neural cells that develop from initial, neurognostic models of self and world. Models interact or "entrain" as a constantly changing field of experience. The entire population of neural models that may potentially entrain within the field of consciousness is called the "cognized environment.” The organization of the network of cells (the "conscious network") mediating consciousness operates according to a circadian cycle. Recurrent phases of consciousness are cognized and labelled. Transformations between phases of consciousness are often ritually controlled by society in order to control experiences that are in turn interpreted in terms of the society's cosmology. Recent developments in the biogenetic structural study of consciousness are summarized, including studies of transpersonal experiences, the development of consciousness in early life, and the advantages of neurophenomenology.