Criteria for an effective theory of consciousness and some preliminary attempts.

A rigorous scientific theory of consciousness requires a modular hierarchy of descriptions, similar to that used in electronic systems, where causal relationships at a phenomenological level are derived from simpler entities at more detailed levels. The causal relationships defining access and phenomenal consciousness are made explicit and linked to perception, memory, and skill learning. Extending these to physiological and neural levels is discussed. The capability of current consciousness models to support such a hierarchy is reviewed, with two models compared in detail.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In the physical sciences a rigorous theory is a hierarchy of descriptions in which causal relationships between many general types of entity at a phenomenological level can be derived from causal relationships between smaller numbers of simpler entities at more detailed levels. The hierarchy of descriptions resembles the modular hierarchy created in electronic systems in order to be able to modify a complex functionality without excessive side effects. Such a hierarchy would make it possible to establish a rigorous scientific theory of consciousness. The causal relationships implicit in definitions of access consciousness and phenomenal consciousness are made explicit, and the corresponding causal relationships at the more detailed levels of perception, memory, and skill learning described. Extension of these causal relationships to physiological and neural levels is discussed. The general capability of a range of current consciousness models to support a modular hierarchy which could generate these causal relationships is reviewed, and the specific capabilities of two models with good general capabilities are compared in some detail.