A new low: Reassessing (and revising) the local recurrency theory of consciousness

Local Recurrency Theory (LR) proposes that feedback loops confined to the visual cortex are sufficient for visual consciousness. Although LR has lost favor to theories that require higher-level brain areas, such as the prefrontal cortex, those competing theories now face evidence that those areas may not be essential. This article re-examines LR, clarifies its formulation, and reviews the evidence against it. It argues that none of the evidence refutes LR but instead encourages its refinement. The conclusion is that LR remains a strong candidate among neuroscientific theories of visual consciousness.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Local Recurrency Theory (LR) holds that recurrent loops of neural activity localized to the visual cortex are necessary and sufficient for visual consciousness (if certain background conditions obtain). LR’s popularity has recently waned in favor of theories holding that higher-level types of processing are necessary for consciousness (e.g., the Global Neuronal Workspace Theory and Higher-order Theory). This has been in part because of empirical evidence thought to disconfirm LR. However, these competing theories now face challenges of their own, often coming in the form of evidence showing that higher-level brain areas (i.e., in the prefrontal cortex) are probably not essential for consciousness. Given growing challenges to LR's competitors, it would be timely to re-assess the prospects for LR. This article carries out such an investigation, first laying out the theory precisely, then going on to survey the evidence presented against it. What will be found is that none of the evidence necessarily undermines LR, but instead just fosters its theoretical enrichment. The overall conclusion: LR remains among our most promising neuroscientific theories of visual consciousness.