Multi-Scale Temporal Resonance Theory of Consciousness (MSTRT): From Molecular Mechanisms to Minimal Functional Specifications, Necessary and Sufficient Conditions, and the Role of Sensory Input, Memory, and Motivational Drive
Qeios May 5, 2026 Yat Ho Tiu
Consciousness may arise from nested coupling of brain oscillations across multiple time scales, driven by specific cellular mechanisms in deep-layer cortical neurons. The theory proposes that this coupling must span a broad frequency range, large spatial extent, and show top-down causal dominance. Evidence from sensory deprivation, dreaming, amnesia, and clinical cases indicates that external sensory input is not necessary for consciousness, long-term memory is not necessary but a very short temporal buffer (~200–250 ms) likely is, and motivational drive is deeply entangled with arousal systems that enable consciousness. The framework includes mathematical indices for measuring consciousness and seven testable predictions.