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The disunity of consciousness.

¹Laboratory of Neurobiology, University College London, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT, London, UK

Trends in Cognitive Sciences

|May 22, 2003

Summary

The search for a single neural correlate of consciousness (NCC) is misguided. This study argues that consciousness is not unified but rather comprises multiple distributed consciousnesses across time and space.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Philosophy of Mind
Cognitive Science

Background:

The prevailing view in consciousness research assumes a singular 'neural correlate of consciousness' (NCC).
This assumption is often termed the 'unity of consciousness', implying consciousness is a monolithic entity.
This perspective has guided decades of research into the brain basis of subjective experience.

Purpose of the Study:

To challenge the traditional notion of a singular NCC.
To propose an alternative framework for understanding consciousness as a distributed phenomenon.
To explain why the search for a unified NCC may be inherently flawed.

Main Methods:

Conceptual analysis of the 'unity of consciousness' concept.
Review of existing neuroscientific and philosophical arguments regarding consciousness.
Theoretical proposition of a 'many consciousnesses' model.

Main Results:

The assumption of a single NCC is based on a flawed premise of consciousness unity.
A unified NCC is unlikely to be found because consciousness is not a singular entity.
Consciousness is better understood as multiple, temporally and spatially distributed processes.

Conclusions:

The quest for the neural correlate of consciousness (NCC) requires a paradigm shift.
Acknowledging consciousness as a distributed phenomenon is crucial for future research.
Future investigations should focus on understanding the interplay of multiple distributed consciousnesses rather than a single NCC.

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