Evaluating theories of consciousness using the Autonomic Nervous System for comparison

Abstract

A common strategy in studying conscious states is to compare them with non-conscious states.The thesis extends C. B. Martin's novel instance of this strategy, using the autonomic nervous system (ANS) as the non-conscious partner in the juxtaposition.It is argued that the ANS has the capacity to represent stimulus qualities in a spatial context, to misrepresent, to learn, and to engage in true goaldirected behaviour.Any theory which defines a conscious system as one uniquely possessing these characteristics is therefore inadequate.Evidence is also provided that the ANS exhibits functionally relevant synchrony achieved through oscillatory mechanisms, has an analogue to attentional processes, and may generate signals internally which are for primarily internal use.It is concluded that the ANS comparison strategy is a valuable tool for evaluating theories of consciousness, and that further studies may intimate the demise of functionalism.Ereshefsky for their much appreciated support and insightful comments, and to Andy, Keith, and the rest of the University of Calgary Neuroscience Research Group for their open-minded interest in my interdisciplinary approach.Finally,