How sustainable are different levels of consciousness?
arXiv Preprint Archive May 12, 2017 via arXiv
Summary
The Global Workspace theory distinguishes conscious processing, which broadcasts information across brain regions, from subconscious processing, which remains localized. This theoretical paper extends that framework by proposing how the properties of incoming information determine whether it is processed consciously or subconsciously, and why processing can be sustained or short-lived. Familiar input that does not elicit intense emotions is processed subconsciously and can be sustained continuously. Input that triggers relatively intense emotions undergoes highly sustainable conscious processing. Input may also undergo meta-conscious processing, which is not very sustainable but can exert control over other cognitive processes. The paper discusses possible benefits of this regulatory arrangement.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Q-bio.nc Neuroscience Cognitive-processing Consciousness Brain-evolution |
| Key finding | Familiar input without intense emotions is processed subconsciously and sustained; emotionally intense input is processed consciously and sustainably; meta-conscious processing is less sustainable but exerts control over other cognitive processes. |
Abstract
The human brain processes a wide variety of inputs and does so either consciously or subconsciously. According to the Global Workspace theory, conscious processing involves broadcasting of information to several regions of the brain and subconscious processing involves more localized processing. This theoretical paper aims to expand on some of the aspects of the Global Workspace theory: how the properties of incoming information result in it being processed subconsciously or consciously; why processing can be either be sustained or short-lived; how the Global Workspace theory may apply both to real-time sensory input as well as to internally retained information. This paper proposes that: familiar input which does not elicit intense emotions becomes processed subconsciously and such processing can be continuous and sustained; input that elicits relatively intense emotions is subjected to highly sustainable conscious processing; input can also undergo meta-conscious processing. Such processing is not very sustainable but can exert control over other cognitive processes. This paper also discusses possible benefits of regulating cognitive processes this way.