G9: Consciousness

Question 1

has been the focus of numerous recent scientific and philosophical theories of consciousness. One reason for this is that it is common in both philosophy of mind and cognitive science to explore the place of the mind in the physical world by considering its functions.

Answer 1

function of consciousness

Question 2

The dimension refers to the subjective or experiential character of consciousness. To describe ‘what it is like’ to see something, feel pain, move, talk, think, etc., one must undergo that very experience of seeing, feeling, moving, talking, thinking, etc., oneself. This is because conscious experiences are individuated relative to a given subject’s perspective, and as such are unique in the way they present themselves, appear or feel (something which is in fact biologically justified

Answer 2

The Phenomenological Dimension

Question 3

• The dimension has to do with the referential nature of consciousness, which is sometimes also characterized as transitive or intentional. Consciousness carries a certain referential content, as it is about certain things or objects we perceive, think of, feel, remember, or imagine. Sometimes it may appear as if there is no particular object to name or point to: e.g., in cases of conscious pains, moods, emotions, etc.

Answer 3

The Semantic Dimension

Question 4

• The dimension concerns bodily mechanisms or vehicles of consciousness in a given organism. In this case our focus will be on such questions as ‘how consciousness is produced or implemented in an organism,’ and what the specific processes responsible for the occurrence of a given conscious content are.’ The processes that science correlates most often with consciousness are certain types of neuronal activity: the so called neuronal correlates of consciousness or NCC’s.

Answer 4

The Physiological Dimension

Question 5

• The dimension relates to the usefulness exhibited by conscious information: i.e., to the question of ‘what it affords’ in respect of a given creature’s actions. It seems that organisms able to utilize conscious information in order to, say, control, adapt or choose action patterns in given circumstances must have been more efficacious and statistically more successful - otherwise the ability to be conscious probably would not have survived.

Answer 5

The Functional Dimension

Question 6

is a fascinating and intriguing element of human cognition that has captivated philosophers, physicists, and psychologists for ages. It is a profound enigma that raises questions about its nature and purpose. Despite its fundamental role, understanding consciousness remains elusive. While the natural world could exist without human consciousness, its absence would strip away our humanity. Psychological science distinguishes reurocessitive functions linked to conscious experience from those operating without it. This ongoing exploration is uncovering empirical insights into the origins of conscious experience, leading to richer conceptualizations that blend first-person and third-person perspectives to unravel the mystery of Consciousness

Answer 6

Consciousness

Question 7

This focuses on the use of self-report measures, such as questionnaires, interviews, and diaries, to individuals’ subjective experiences, thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. Researchers analye self-reported data to understand how individuals interpret and make sense of their conscious experiences.

Answer 7

Self-Report Measures

Question 8

This explores the use of neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging
(TMRI) and electroencephalography (EE6), to study brain activity associated with consciousness. Researchers investigate the neural correlates of consciousness and identify brain regions involved in conscious awareness.

Answer 8

Neuroimaging and Brain Activity

Question 9

This delves into different states of consciousness, such as waking consciousness, altered states of consciousness le.g., meditation, hypnosis, dreaming), and disorders of consciousness (e.g., coma, vegetative state). Researchers examine the characteristics, mechanisms, and implications of these different states on cognitive functioning.

Answer 9

States of Consciousness

Question 10

This explores the relationship between attention and conscious awareness.
Researchers investigate how
attentional processes influence the selection, processing, and integration of information into conscious experience.

Answer 10

Attention and Conscious AWareness

Question 11

This focuses on the interplay between consciousness and emotions. Researchers investigate how conscious experiences of emotions, such as joy, fear, sadness, and anger, influence cognitive processes and behavioral responses.

Answer 11

Consciousness and Emotions

Question 12

This explores disorders that affect consciousness, such as coma, vegetative state, and locked-in syndrome.
Researchers investigate the underlying mechanisms, assessment methods, and potential treatments for these disorders.

Answer 12

Disorders of Consciousness

Question 13

This delves into philosophical debates and theories about the nature of consciousness, the mind-body problem, and the philosophical implications assessing conscious
experience in cognitive psychology.

Answer 13

Philosophical Perspectives on Consciousness

Question 14

Brightness, attention, and analysis do not ensure awareness of visual stimuli. Visual awareness is based on reciprocal information flow between brain areas, particularly the cerebral cortex.

Answer 14

Conscious Experiences of Visual Perception

Question 15

The sense of volition, or the sensation of choosing between numerous activities, is inextricably tied to our subjective perception of consciousness. Decision-making has two separate modes: meticulous conscious consideration of factors and a rapid gut decision based on unconscious processing.

Answer 15

Conscious Experiences of Decision Making

Question 16

Human consciousness shapes our views and comprehension, but scientific study can provide vital insights into consciousness. Recent breakthroughs in research methodology give reason to be optimistic about future research into consciousness.

Answer 16

Understanding Consciousness

Question 17

Episodic remembrance is the apex of conscious human memory abilities, allowing people to vividly relive past events. Amnesic people with declarative memory deficiencies have difficulty remembering, but they can display other types of memory, such as habits and abilities, without conscious awareness.

Answer 17

Conscious Experiences of Memory

Question 18

The brain develops bodily awareness by registering coincident sensations, such as feeling and seeing rubbing sensations at the same time. This process is critical for creating the self/nonself dichotomy, which is central to our understanding of the world.

Answer 18

Conscious Experiences of Body Awareness

Question 19

The easiest way to think about GWT is in terms of a “theater metaphor.” In the “theater of consciousness” a
“spotlight of selective attention” shines a bright spot on stage.

Answer 19

The Theater Metaphor

Question 20

GWT involves a fleeting memory with a duration of a few seconds (much shorter than the 10-30 seconds of classical working memory). GWT contents are propose to correspond to what we are conscious of, and are broadcast to a multitude of unconscious cognitive brain processes, which may be called receiving processes.

Answer 20

The Model

Question 21

is a simple cognitive architecture that has been developed to account qualitatively for a large set of matched pairs of conscious processes in an effort to recruit more cohorts and thereby increase the likelihood of achieving their goals.

Answer 21

Global Workspace Theory (GWT)