Conscious Processing and the Global Neuronal Workspace Hypothesis.
George A. Mashour, Pieter R Roelfsema, Jean-Pierre Changeux, Stanislas Dehaene
Neuron March 1, 2020 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.01.026 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Brain Neurons Humans Anesthesia, general Cognition Consciousness Memory, short-term Psychological theory Attention |
| Key findings | The authors propose that conscious processing depends on a non-linear network ignition with recurrent processing that amplifies and sustains a neural representation, making its information globally accessible to local processors. They evaluate this global neuronal workspace account against data contrasting conscious and non-conscious contents and states, particularly under general anesthesia, and discuss its relationship to attention and working memory. |
Abstract
We review the central tenets and neuroanatomical basis of the global neuronal workspace (GNW) hypothesis, which attempts to account for the main scientific observations regarding the elementary mechanisms of conscious processing in the human brain. The GNW hypothesis proposes that, in the conscious state, a non-linear network ignition associated with recurrent processing amplifies and sustains a neural representation, allowing the corresponding information to be globally accessed by local processors. We examine this hypothesis in light of recent data that contrast brain activity evoked by either conscious or non-conscious contents, as well as during conscious or non-conscious states, particularly general anesthesia. We also discuss the relationship between the intertwined concepts of conscious processing, attention, and working memory.
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