Hierarchical consciousness: the Nested Observer Windows model

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Theoretical Neuroscience
• Philosophy of Mind

Background:

• Human subjective experience often feels unified, yet internal conflicts and contradictory beliefs challenge this.
• Existing models struggle to reconcile the apparent unity of consciousness with the brain's complex, multi-scale processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Nested Observer Windows (NOW) Model, a novel framework for understanding hierarchical consciousness.
• To explain how information integration across diverse spatiotemporal scales in the brain contributes to subjective experience.
• To provide testable predictions for the hierarchical organization of consciousness.

Main Methods:

• The NOW Model conceptualizes consciousness as a hierarchy of nested "observer windows" processing information at different scales.
• Utilizes principles from electrical signal analysis, including cross-frequency coupling, internal synchrony (zero phase lag), and inter-window coherence (non-zero phase lag).
• Applies a mosaic tile analogy to illustrate the nested structure of information processing.

Main Results:

• The model posits that unitary consciousness emerges at the apex of this hierarchy through full integration of perceptual constructs.
• Nested observer windows facilitate information dissemination across spatiotemporal scales via cross-frequency coupling.
• Internal synchrony within observer windows and coherence between windows at the same level enable information sharing.

Conclusions:

• The NOW Model offers a unified theoretical framework for consciousness, integrating diverse subjective experiences.
• It provides a novel approach to reconcile prominent theories of consciousness with neurobiological processing.
• The model generates testable predictions regarding brain activity and conscious experience.