An adaptive workspace hypothesis about the neural correlates of consciousness: insights from neuroscience and meditation studies.
Progress in Brain Research January 1, 2009 A. Raffone, N. Srinivasan
A theoretical framework for the neural correlates of consciousness (NCC) is proposed, integrating endogenous attention, access consciousness, phenomenal awareness, metacognitive consciousness, and a non-referential unified consciousness. The adaptive workspace hypothesis builds on the global workspace model, emphasizing transient resonant neurodynamics and prefrontal cortex function, particularly the anterior prefrontal cortex. Transient dynamic links within an adaptive coding net, involving ongoing intrinsic and long-range signal exchanges between prefrontal cortex and the rest of the brain, flexibly regulate the interplay among these processes. Moment-to-moment modulation by body and environment states, along with brain regions associated with interoceptive and exteroceptive self-awareness (as highlighted in open monitoring meditation), play a key modulatory role in adaptive workspace transitions.