Neural Computations Underlying Phenomenal Consciousness: A Higher Order Syntactic Thought Theory
Edmund T Rolls1,2,3
1Oxford Centre for Computational Neuroscience, Oxford, United Kingdom.
This study proposes a new theory of phenomenal consciousness, the Higher Order Syntactic Thoughts (HOST) model, linking it to specific brain computations and evolutionary advantages.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Philosophy of Mind
- Computational Theory
Background:
- Critiques the global workspace hypothesis of consciousness.
- Addresses limitations in Carruthers's (2019) model of consciousness.
- Advocates for a levels of explanation approach to brain-mind relations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel computational theory of phenomenal consciousness.
- To provide an evolutionary rationale for the proposed consciousness module.
- To compare the new theory with existing models like global workspace and Higher Order Thought (HOT) theories.
Main Methods:
- Describes a computational system using Higher Order Syntactic Thoughts (HOST).
- Explains HOST's role in credit assignment for multi-step plans via symbolic manipulation in working memory.
- Hypothesizes neural correlates, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and left inferior frontal gyrus.
Main Results:
- The HOST model offers an evolutionary explanation for consciousness.
- It presents advantages over global workspace and HOT theories.
- Suggests specific brain regions (prefrontal cortex, left inferior frontal gyrus) involved in HOST.
Conclusions:
- Phenomenal consciousness is associated with a specific computational module (HOST).
- This module utilizes syntactic manipulation of symbols in working memory.
- Future research should focus on identifying and analyzing the neural bases of these computations linked to consciousness.
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