Theories

Question 1

Recognition Theories

Feature Models

Answer 1

Matching features from the outside world.

Hubel & Wiesel (1979) Feature Detection.

Selfridge & Niesser. Pandemonium

Question 2

Theory of Feature Detection

Answer 2

Neurons start firing when a particular feature (stimulus) is present.

The activation ‘builds’ the perception, coupled with prior knowledge leads to recognition.

Question 3

Criticisms of Feature Detection

Answer 3

Can’t recognise new versions.

Binding problem.

(However, context effects)

Question 4

Attention - Definition

Answer 4

James.

Mind taking possession of one possibility of objects or trains of thought.

Focus of consciousness.

Implies withdrawal from some things to deal with others.

Question 5

Attention - Function

Answer 5

Broadbent - Prevent overloading the system. Limited resources (seriel processing).

Preattentive processing (parallel processing).

Question 6

Attention

Feature Integration Theory

Answer 6

Treisman & Gelade.

Features are registered automatically and early, in parallel across the visual field.

Objects are identified later, and requires focused attention.

Question 7

Attention

Location Uncertainty Theory

Answer 7

Prinzmetal & Keysar.

Segmentation is parallel processing. Process objects in the visual field in parallel.

Several spotlights.

Uncertainty due to overlap of spotlights.

Question 8

Illusionary Conjunctions

Answer 8

Treisman - due to memory decay/interference.

Occurs when features are combined incorrectly, a mixing of features.

Assigning the wrong features to an object.

Due to not being able to attend to the objects properly, i.e. when stimulus is too fast.

Question 9

Visual Consciousness

Definition

Answer 9

Nagel.

The subjective visual experience of an object or feature.

Qualia = subjective visual experience.

Question 10

Visual Consciousness - Multiple Drafts Model

Answer 10

Dennett.

There’s many inputs of information working in parallel. Interpretations are made using these, and they are instantly available to initiate/influence behaviour.

Consciousness is the flow of information from place to place.

Question 11

Consciousness

Definition

Answer 11

Contested.

Blackmore defines as subjective, personal experience.

Question 12

Consciousness

Intentionality

Answer 12

Brentano.

All mental states have intentionality, referring to something in the external world.

Question 13

Mind-body Problem

Answer 13

The problem is how the mental relates to the physical, how mind and body come together.

Question 14

Mind-body Problem

The Facts

Answer 14

Humphrey.

Fact 1 - the mind is private, hidden, internal.

Fact 2 - The brain and body are visable, physical entities.

Question 15

Mind-body Problem

Types of Problems

Answer 15

Chalmers.

Easy - the scientific questions, e.g. how we process visual information.

Hard - how the physical relates to/results in subjective experience.

Question 16

Philosophical Zombie

Answer 16

Exactly the same as us in behaviour and physiology. But it does not have conscious experiences.

Chalmers - possible
Dennett - not possible

Question 17

Global Workspace Theory

Answer 17

Baars.

A global ‘blackboard’ where information is posted. All systems have access to the information.

What’s posted on the board is conscious.

Question 18

Functionalism

Answer 18

Holds that consciousness has a function that is being performed by a system.

Materialist.

Question 19

Global Workspace Theory

Criticism

Answer 19

Risks Cartesian Materialism.

The idea that there is a place in the brain where conscious information amalgamates.

Question 20

Cartesian Materialism

Answer 20

The idea that there’s a place in the brain where conscious information culminates.

Question 21

Multiple realisability

Answer 21

Many different physical combinations that achieve mental states.

We are just machines reacting to these combinations.

Question 22

Homuncular Functionalism

Answer 22

Hierarchy of mental states.

Tasks are performed by many ‘stupid homunculi’. Reduced down the hierarchy until talking about neurons.

Pandemonium is a homuncular functionalist theory.

Question 23

Artificial Intelligence

Answer 23

Searle.

Weak AI - AI that appears to have consciousness but doesn’t (e.g. zombies).

Strong AI - AI with consciousness.

Question 24

Brute Enumeration

Answer 24

Possible solution to the Binding Problem.

Tries all possibile combinations of the present features.

May suffer from “grandma” effect, but possibly solved by context effects.

Question 25

Triune Brain Hypothesis

Answer 25

MacLean.
We have three brain sections.

Core consciousness involves first two (primitive and mid brain). Animals have this.

Extended consciousness with first two and neocortex (allows for ToM, language etc.). Humans have this.