To Consciousness
Mark Kinet
September 18, 2023 DOI: 10.4324/9781003394358-11 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that consciousness, as distinct from awareness, is not cortical but subcortical, tied to structures like the reticular activating system and periaqueductal grey, and that a "conscious Id" plus entropy and homeostasis explains its hidden spring. Contends that Friston's work helps solve the hard problem of consciousness, with consciousness arising when predictive memories encounter disconfirming reality. |
Abstract
Here, Kinet ascends to Solms’ views on consciousness (to be distinguished from awareness). What is its neural correlate, and where is it located? The classical Freudian idea that it is cortical needs correction and revision considering all neuroscientific findings. Mark Es (from Solms) champions a conscious Id. Not Descartes’ pineal gland but subcortical structures like the reticular activating system and the periaqueductal grey are central. Correlations between the Id and Ego and their respective brain tissues are established. The physics of entropy is added to the biology of homeostasis to explain the hidden spring of consciousness. The work of Solms’ third Great Inspirator, Friston, contributes decisively to a solution of Chalmers’ so-called hard problem of consciousness. The result is surprising because consciousness seems to be precisely the result of surprise! Memories (that are, in fact, predictions) bump into a disconfirming reality and (only) by doing so do they trigger awareness.