Consciousness facilitates model-based planning, but is that really why consciousness evolved?

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Evolutionary Psychology
• Philosophy of Mind

Background:

• The temporal dynamics of consciousness are often overlooked in theoretical frameworks.
• Understanding the timing of conscious experience is key to developing robust theories of consciousness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the significance of the temporal profile of consciousness as a constraint for theories.
• To evaluate the role of timing in evolutionary hypotheses of consciousness.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis of consciousness timing.
• Comparison of different hypotheses regarding the temporal aspects of consciousness.

Main Results:

• The temporal profile of consciousness is an under-exploited constraint on theories.
• Specific timing is critical for evolutionary hypotheses.
• A rival hypothesis suggests a 100-200ms delay for representing distal objects in aquatic environments.

Conclusions:

• The temporal dimension of consciousness requires greater attention in theoretical development.
• Evolutionary pressures may have shaped the timing of conscious representation, particularly in ancestral aquatic settings.