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A theory of consciousness: computation, algorithm, and neurobiological realization
1Johann Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 407, 9700 AK, Groningen, The Netherlands. j.h.van.hateren@rug.nl.
Biological Cybernetics
|July 11, 2019
Summary
This theory explains consciousness as a subjective sensation arising from the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- Consciousness, particularly its subjective feeling, remains a significant enigma in science.
- Existing theories often struggle to bridge the gap between neurobiology and subjective experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel theory explaining the subjective feeling of consciousness.
- To link computational aspects with neurobiological realization in the brain.
Main Methods:
- Theorizing a model where the brain estimates evolutionary fitness.
- Proposing that the thalamocortical feedback loop performs a dual-stage inversion of these estimates.
- Differentiating between nonconscious (forward estimates) and conscious (inverted estimates) processing stages.
Main Results:
- The proposed theory suggests that the brain computes an internal estimate of evolutionary fitness.
- This fitness estimate, when inverted by a dual-stage thalamocortical loop, generates a distinct, spatially localized causation.
- This specific form of causation is hypothesized to be the basis of the subjective feeling of consciousness.
Conclusions:
- The subjective feeling of consciousness may arise from the inversion of evolutionary fitness estimates within the thalamocortical system.
- This neurobiological mechanism offers a potential explanation for the qualitative aspect of conscious experience.
- The theory integrates computational processes with brain function to address the hard problem of consciousness.
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