Cortical activity and the explanatory gap.
Consciousness and cognition June 1, 1998 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1006/ccog.1998.0338 via PubMed
Summary
The exploration identifies neural network features in cortical processing that may help bridge the gap between phenomenal consciousness and brain activity. It reviews various neural processing styles and selects one—characterized by semiautonomous, long-lasting cortical activity 'bubbles'—as the most fitting for further analysis. This approach leads to a class of neural models related to phenomenal consciousness and generates testable predictions.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | A specific neural processing style involving semiautonomous cortical activity 'bubbles' is identified as most appropriate for understanding phenomenal consciousness. |
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Abstract
An exploration is given of neural network features now being uncovered in cortical processing which begins to go a little way to help bridge the "Explanatory Gap" between phenomenal consciousness and correlated brain activity. A survey of properties suggested as being possessed by phenomenal consciousness leads to a set of criteria to be required of the correlated neural activity. Various neural styles of processing are reviewed and those fitting the criteria are selected for further analysis. One particular processing style, in which semiautonomous and long-lasting cortical activity "bubbles" are created by input, is selected as being the most appropriate. Further experimental criteria are used to help narrow the possible neural styles involved. This leads to a class of neural models underpinning phenomenal consciousness and to a related set of testable predictions.