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Phenomenal interface theory: a model for basal consciousness.

Colin Klein1, Andrew B Barron2

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Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences
|November 13, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Phenomenal consciousness in animals, including insects, arises from how they select actions using sensory data and internal states. This process creates a subjective experience and a sense of self.

Keywords:
central complexinsectmotivationmushroom bodysentience

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Animal Behavior
  • Philosophy of Mind

Background:

  • Growing attribution of phenomenal consciousness to simpler organisms like insects.
  • Unclear functional role of consciousness substrates in these organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a functional role for phenomenal consciousness in action selection.
  • To explain consciousness as a solution to complex decision-making in mobile animals.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical framework integrating sensory input, internal state, and value estimation.
  • Modeling action selection via a 'phenomenal interface' and multi-objective Q-values.
  • Utilizing insect models to detail the phenomenal interface.

Main Results:

  • Phenomenal consciousness is a consequence of resolving action selection problems.
  • The proposed mechanism generates self/non-self distinction and subjective value.
  • The theory provides a framework for understanding the evolution of consciousness.

Conclusions:

  • Consciousness is fundamentally linked to goal-directed behavior and action selection.
  • The phenomenal interface is key to integrating diverse information for decision-making.
  • Further research needed on the evolutionary expansion and changes in consciousness.