Process Theories
Michael H Herzog, Aaron Schurger, Adrien Doerig
Cambridge University Press eBooks April 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1017/9781009244701.007 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Describes two computational accounts of consciousness: the global workspace theory, in which consciousness occurs when information is made widely available via a global neuronal workspace, and higher-order theories, in which consciousness occurs when a higher-order process describes a first-order sensory-cognitive process. The authors introduce the "small network argument", contending that extremely simple systems may meet process theories' criteria and thus would count as conscious. |
Abstract
We portray processes theories which claim that consciousness is related to or identical with a computational process in the brain. The global workspace theory (GWT) proposes that consciousness occurs when information is made widely available via a global neuronal workspace. Higher order theories (HOTs) propose that consciousness occurs when there is a higher-order process that describes a first-order sensory-cognitive process. We will also introduce the ‘small network argument’, which holds that extremely simple systems may fulfil the criteria of process theories and hence would be considered conscious.