View source for Models of Consciousness

'''Models of consciousness''' are used to illustrate and aid in understanding and explaining distinctive aspects [[Philosophy:Consciousness|consciousness]]. Sometimes the models are labeled '''theories of consciousness'''. Anil Seth defines such models as those that relate brain phenomena such as fast irregular electrical activity and widespread brain activation to properties of consciousness such as qualia. Seth allows for different types of models including mathematical, logical, verbal and conceptual models.<ref>http://scholarpedia.org/article/Models_of_consciousness</ref> <ref>Seth, A. K. & Baars, B. J. 2005 Neural Darwinism and consciousness. ''Consciousness and Cognition'' 14, 140-168</ref>
== Neural correlates of consciousness ==
{{Main|Philosophy:Neural correlates of consciousness}}

The [[Philosophy:Neural correlates of consciousness|Neural correlates of consciousness]] (NCC) formalism is used as a major step towards explaining consciousness. The NCC are defined to constitute the minimal set of neuronal events and mechanisms sufficient for a specific conscious percept, and consequently sufficient for consciousness. In this formalism, consciousness is viewed as a state-dependent property of some undefined complex, adaptive, and highly interconnected biological system. <ref> Crick F. and Koch C. (1990) Towards a neurobiological theory of consciousness. ''Seminars in Neuroscience'' Vol2, 263–275.</ref> <ref>Koch, Christof (2004). The quest for consciousness: a neurobiological approach. Englewood, US-CO: Roberts & Company Publishers. {{ISBN|0-9747077-0-8}}.</ref> <ref>Squire, Larry R. (2008). ''Fundamental neuroscience'' (3rd ed.). Academic Press. {{ISBN|0-12-374019-3}}.</ref>

== Eight-Circuit Model of Consciousness ==
{{Main|Philosophy:Eight-circuit model of consciousness}}

[[Biography:Timothy Leary|Timothy Leary]] introduced<ref>Leary, T. (1987). ''Info-Psychology''. New Falcon Press, Los Angeles. Page xii</ref> and [[Biography:Robert Anton Wilson|Robert Anton Wilson]] and Antero Alli elaborated  the [[Philosophy:Eight-circuit model of consciousness|Eight-circuit model of consciousness]] as hypothesis that "suggested eight periods [circuits] and twenty-four stages of neurological evolution".

== Multiple drafts model ==
{{Main|Philosophy:Multiple drafts model}}
[[Biography:Daniel Dennett|Daniel Dennett]] proposed a physicalist, information processing based [[Philosophy:Multiple drafts model|multiple drafts model]] of consciousness described more fully in his 1991 book, Consciousness Explained.

== Dehaene–Changeux model ==
{{Main|Dehaene–Changeux model}}

The [[Dehaene–Changeux model]] (DCM), also known as the global neuronal workspace or the global cognitive workspace model is a computer model of the [[Philosophy:Neural correlates of consciousness|neural correlates of consciousness]]  programmed as a neural network.  [[Biography:Stanislas Dehaene|Stanislas Dehaene]] and Jean-Pierre Changeux introduced this model in 1986.<ref>Dehaene S, Changeux JP. ''Experimental and theoretical approaches to conscious processing''. Neuron. 2011 Apr 28;70(2):200-27.</ref> It is associated with [[Biography:Bernard Baars|Bernard Baars]]'s [[Philosophy:Global workspace theory|Global workspace theory]] for consciousness. 

== Clouding of consciousness ==
{{Main|Philosophy:Clouding of consciousness}}
[[Philosophy:Clouding of consciousness|Clouding of consciousness]], also known as brain fog or mental fog, is a term used in medicine denoting an abnormality in the regulation of the overall level of consciousness that is mild and less severe than a delirium<ref>Plum and Posner's diagnosis of stupor and coma. Oxford University Press. 2007</ref>. It is part of an overall model where there's regulation of the "overall level" of the consciousness of the brain and aspects responsible for "arousal" or "wakefulness" and awareness of oneself and of the environment<ref>Augusto Caraceni; Luigi Grassi (2011). ''Delirium: Acute Confusional States in Palliative Medicine''. Oxford University Press</ref>. 

== Electromagnetic theories of consciousness ==
{{Main|Physics:Electromagnetic theories of consciousness}}
 
[[Physics:Electromagnetic theories of consciousness|Electromagnetic theories of consciousness]] propose that consciousness can be understood as an electromagnetic phenomenon that occurs when a brain produces an electromagnetic field with specific characteristics.<ref>Pockett, Susan. ''The Nature of Consciousness''. {{ISBN|0-595-12215-9}}.</ref><ref>Pockett, Susan (2012). "The electromagnetic field theory of consciousness: a testable hypothesis about the characteristics of conscious as opposed to non-conscious fields". ''Journal of Consciousness Studies''. 19 (11-12): 191–223.</ref>  Some electromagnetic theories are also quantum mind theories of consciousness; examples include [[Physics:Quantum brain dynamics|quantum brain dynamics]] (QBD).<ref>Mari Jibu; Kunio Yasue. ''Quantum brain dynamics and consciousness''. {{ISBN|1-55619-183-9}}.</ref>

== Orchestrated objective reduction ==
{{Main|Philosophy:Orchestrated objective reduction}}
 
Orchestrated objective reduction (Orch-OR) model is based on the hypothesis that consciousness in the brain originates from quantum processes inside neurons, rather than from connections between neurons (the conventional view). The mechanism is held to be associated with molecular structures called microtubules. The hypothesis was advanced by [[Biography:Roger Penrose|Roger Penrose]] and [[Biography:Stuart Hameroff|Stuart Hameroff]] and has been the subject of extensive debate<ref>Hameroff, Stuart; Penrose, Roger (March 2014). "Consciousness in the universe: A review of the 'Orch OR' theory". Physics of Life Reviews. Elsevier. 11 (1): 39–78. doi:10.1016/j.plrev.2013.08.002. {{PMID|24070914}}. </ref>, <ref>Hameroff, Stuart; Penrose, Roger (March 2014). "Reply to seven commentaries on "Consciousness in the universe: Review of the 'Orch OR' theory"". ''Physics of Life Reviews''. Elsevier. 11 (1): 104–112. doi:10.1016/j.plrev.2013.11.014.</ref>

== Thalamic reticular networking model of consciousness ==

Min proposed in a 2010 paper a Thalamic reticular networking model of consciousness.<ref>Min, B. K. (2010). A thalamic reticular networking model of consciousness. ''Theoretical Biology and Medical Modelling'', 7(1), 10. https://tbiomed.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/1742-4682-7-10</ref> The model suggests consciousness as a "mental state embodied through TRN-modulated synchronization of thalamocortical networks". In this model the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) is suggested as ideally suited for controlling the entire cerebral network, and responsible (via [[Biology:GABAergic|GABAergic]] networking) for synchronization of neural activity.

== Functionalism (philosophy of mind) ==
{{Main|Philosophy:Functionalism (philosophy of mind)}}

Functionalism is a view in the theory of the mind. It states that mental states (beliefs, desires, being in pain, etc.) are constituted solely by their functional role – that is, they have causal relations to other mental states, numerous sensory inputs, and behavioral outputs.

== Sociology of human consciousness ==
{{Main|Philosophy:Sociology of human consciousness}} 

[[Philosophy:Sociology of human consciousness|Sociology of human consciousness]] uses the theories and methodology of sociology to explain human consciousness. The theory and its models emphasize the importance of language, collective representations, self-conceptions, and self-reflectivity. It argues that the shape and feel of human consciousness is heavily social.

== References == 
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[[Category:Consciousness]]
[[Category:Consciousness studies]]
[[Category:Brain]]
[[Category:Cognition]]
[[Category:Cognitive architecture]]
[[Category:Cognitive modeling]]
[[Category:Cognitive neuroscience]]
[[Category:Cognitive science]]
[[Category:Mental processes]]
[[Category:Neuroscience]]
[[Category:Neuropsychology]]

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