Phenomenological neuroplasticity as the core biological mechanism of consciousness
A. V. Safronov
Философская мысль July 1, 2025 DOI: 10.25136/2409-8728.2025.7.74891 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Neuroplasticity |
| Key points | Argues that phenomenological neuroplasticity is the key biological core of consciousness, enabling phenomenal experience to form and develop. Proposes that this plasticity evolved from simple forms in early vertebrates to complex human self-consciousness, and that consciousness, viewed through a learning hypothesis, acts as an adaptive "sense of meaning" enhancing survivability. Offers a holistic model linking synaptic and structural plasticity to subjectivity. |
Abstract
The subject of the study is phenomenological neuroplasticity, considered as a key biological mechanism that ensures the emergence and development of consciousness. The object of the research is the process of forming subjective phenomenal experience, realized through the dynamic restructuring of neural networks in the brain. Special attention is given to the evolutionary role of neuroplasticity, traced from early vertebrates such as fish to the complex forms of self-consciousness characteristic of humans. The author thoroughly analyzes aspects such as synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation and depression, structural plasticity related to the growth of neural connections, functional plasticity that facilitates the redistribution of functions among brain regions, and neural synchronization supported by gamma rhythms. These processes are investigated in the context of the learning hypothesis, where consciousness is interpreted as a "sense of meaning" that contributes to the adaptability of the organism. The aim of the study is to substantiate phenomenological neuroplasticity as the core of consciousness, which integrates neurobiological mechanisms and evolutionary approaches, offering a holistic model of forming subjective experience and its biological basis. The research is based on the analysis of neurobiological data, an evolutionary model of irritability gradation, and a theoretical synthesis of concepts of consciousness. Methods of comparative analysis and interpretation of experimental studies of neuroplasticity are employed. The main conclusions of the research establish phenomenological neuroplasticity as a key biological core of consciousness, facilitating the formation and development of phenomenal experience. This plasticity has evolved from the simplest forms in early vertebrates to the complex self-consciousness of humans, highlighting its role in the evolution of consciousness. The novelty of the work lies in the integration of neuroplasticity with the learning hypothesis, which views consciousness as an adaptive mechanism that creates a "sense of meaning" for enhancing the organism’s survivability. A significant contribution of the author is the development of a holistic model linking biological processes, such as synaptic and structural plasticity, with subjectivity. This model opens new avenues for neuroscience, offering pathways to study the neural correlates of consciousness, and for the philosophy of consciousness, rethinking the nature of qualia and subjective experience.
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| Critical Period Plasticity as a Framework for Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy | 2021 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics and entactogens. | 2023 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cites 5
- Consciousness in the universe: a review of the 'Orch OR' theory. March 1, 2014
- Fish can show emotional fever: stress-induced hyperthermia in zebrafish. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences November 1, 2015
- Experimental and theoretical approaches to conscious processing. Neuron April 28, 2011
- Measuring consciousness: relating behavioural and neurophysiological approaches. Trends in Cognitive Sciences July 5, 2008
- The conscious access hypothesis: origins and recent evidence. Trends in Cognitive Sciences 2002