The neural correlates of consciousness: New experimental approaches needed?

The search for the neural correlates of consciousness faces problems in both of its main approaches. The content-based approach, which contrasts conscious perception of different stimuli like faces versus houses, appears to set aside crucial aspects of consciousness. The state-based approach, which contrasts overall conscious states like dreamless sleep versus wakefulness, seems over-inclusive in a way that is hard to rectify without losing the crucial conscious-unconscious contrast. Consequently, the search for the neural correlates of consciousness needs new experimental paradigms.

Study at a glance

Abstract

It appears that consciousness science is progressing soundly, in particular in its search for the neural correlates of consciousness. There are two main approaches to this search, one is content-based (focusing on the contrast between conscious perception of, e.g., faces vs. houses), the other is state-based (focusing on overall conscious states, e.g., the contrast between dreamless sleep vs. the awake state). Methodological and conceptual considerations of a number of concrete studies show that both approaches are problematic: the content-based approach seems to set aside crucial aspects of consciousness; and the state-based approach seems over-inclusive in a way that is hard to rectify without losing sight of the crucial conscious-unconscious contrast. Consequently, the search for the neural correlates of consciousness is in need of new experimental paradigms.