The neural hierarchy of consciousness: A theoretical model and review on neurophysiology and NCCs.

The study of consciousness is stuck in a stalemate between two major theories: the Global Neuronal Workspace and Recurrent Processing. This theoretical review aims to bridge that gap by first summarizing solid neurophysiological evidence on consciousness, then constructing a model—the Neural Hierarchy—that reconciles the all-or-none cortical ignition (P3b) and graded recurrent processing (VAN) accounts. The model supports a levels of processing approach, dividing conscious architecture into lower- and higher-order components that are both graded and nonlinear.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The chief undertaking in the studies of consciousness is that of unravelling the neural correlates of consciousness. To this day, this crusade remains at an impasse, with a clash of two main theoretical stances: the Global Neuronal Workspace and the Recurrent Processing. Yet, cellular and neurophysiological studies of consciousness have been mostly dissociated from the two. Herein, a theoretical review will be put forth with the aim to change that. In its first half, I will cover the hard available evidence on the neurophysiology of consciousness, and in its second half, I will weave a theoretical model that reconciles the all-or-none cortical ignition (P3b) and graded recurrent processing (VAN) theories on the basis of neurophysiological evidence. As should be made clear, this Neural Hierarchy model substantiates and expands on a novel take on conscious awareness: the levels of processing approach, partitioning the conscious architecture into lower- and higher-order, graded and nonlinear.