The exclusionary approach to consciousness

An alternative method for studying the neural correlates of consciousness (NCCs) is proposed, called the exclusionary approach. Instead of comparing conscious and unconscious trials near the threshold of perception, this approach relies on the assumption that subjective reports are reliable under normal conditions. By keeping consciousness stable while manipulating other factors like reports, tasks, stimulation, or attention, researchers can exclude certain neural activities as candidate NCCs. This yields less contentious results and provides hard criteria for theories of consciousness. The approach does not require new paradigms but can incorporate existing studies. It complements, rather than replaces, the standard identification approach.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract The standard approach in the field of consciousness research involves identifying the neural correlates of consciousness (NCCs) by comparing neural activity between conscious and unconscious trials. However, this method has been met with criticism due to the lack of consensus on how to operationalize and measure consciousness. In this paper, I propose an alternative approach: the exclusionary approach. Rather than utilizing near-threshold conditions to contrast conscious and unconscious trials, this approach leverages the widely accepted notion that subjective reports are reliable under normal conditions. I propose that this can be done by assessing whether consciousness remains stable across trials while manipulating other factors such as reports, tasks, stimulation, or attention. We can use the resulting contrast to exclude certain kinds of neural activity as candidate NCCs. This method produces results that are less contentious, allowing for the establishment of hard criteria for theories of consciousness. Additionally, this approach does not require the development of new research paradigms, but can incorporate existing studies, particularly those aimed at identifying confounding factors in the standard approach. It is important to note, however, that the proposed exclusionary approach does not negate the value of the identification approach. Rather, they should be considered as complementary methods.