The exclusionary approach to consciousness
Neuroscience of Consciousness October 5, 2023 Marlo Paßler
An alternative method for studying the neural correlates of consciousness (NCCs) is proposed, called the exclusionary approach. Instead of comparing conscious and unconscious trials near the threshold of perception, this approach relies on the assumption that subjective reports are reliable under normal conditions. By keeping consciousness stable while manipulating other factors like reports, tasks, stimulation, or attention, researchers can exclude certain neural activities as candidate NCCs. This yields less contentious results and provides hard criteria for theories of consciousness. The approach does not require new paradigms but can incorporate existing studies. It complements, rather than replaces, the standard identification approach.