Skip to content

Top Mysteries of the Mind: Insights From the Default Space Model of Consciousness.

Ravinder Jerath, Connor Beveridge

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2018 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00162 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Keywords Binding problem Consciousness Default space Emotion regulation Metastability Neuroscience mysteries Sleep Thalamus
Key points Argues that the Default Space Model, which holds that consciousness depends on an internal 3D simulation of the external world built from membrane potential oscillations and coordinated by the thalamus, offers a useful framework for understanding unsolved neuroscience problems such as the need for sleep.

Abstract

Aside from the nature of consciousness itself, there are still many unsolved problems in the neurosciences. Despite the vast and quickly growing body of work in this field, we still find ourselves perplexed at seemingly simple qualities of our mental being such as why we need to sleep. The neurosciences are at least beginning to take a hold on these mysteries and are working toward solving them. We hold a perspective that metastable consciousness models, specifically the Default Space Model (DSM), provide insights into these mysteries. In this perspective article, we explore some of these curious questions in order to elucidate the interesting points they bring up. The DSM is a dynamic, global theory of consciousness that involves the maintenance of an internal, 3D simulation of the external, physical world which is the foundation and structure of consciousness. This space is created and filled by multiple frequencies of membrane potential oscillations throughout the brain and body which are organized, synchronized and harmonized by the thalamus. The veracity of the DSM is highlighted here in its ability to further understanding of some of the most puzzling problems in neuroscience.

Citations in the library

Explore topics