We may be close to discovering the Neural Correlates of Consciousness
PsyArXiv January 3, 2025 preprint DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/acjzf
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA theoretical paper argues that the failure to find neural correlates of consciousness may stem from looking for the wrong thing. The B-Man Stra/Tac model, consistent with the Orch OR theory, proposes that consciousness has a very limited functional scope and could be implemented within a single cell adapted by evolution. The paper critiques current search approaches, presents arguments for single-cell consciousness, and defines indicators for its discovery. It suggests that brain structures supporting such a cell may already be known but overlooked, potentially leading to locating the neural correlates of consciousness.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Consciousness may be implemented within a single cell, and the neural correlates of consciousness could be located by identifying brain structures supporting that cell. |
Abstract
There has been a lack of success in locating the neural correlates of consciousness, not just in the complex brains of humans but also in animals with simpler brain structures. This paper considers whether the root of the problem is simply that we have been looking for the wrong thing. In contrast to most theories of the mind and consciousness, the B-Man Stra/Tac model proposes that consciousness has a very limited functional scope, a conclusion consistent with the Orch OR theory of consciousness. This limited scope opens the possibility that consciousness could be implemented within a single cell. A cell that has been highly adapted for consciousness by millions of years of evolution.This paper firstly considers the current search for the neural correlates of consciousness and identifies weaknesses in the approach; secondly looks at the argument for a single cell consciousness; and finally defines indicators that may lead to its discovery.The localization of a single cell in the brain would of course be a difficult task, however the brain structures supporting that cell may be readily identifiable. It is interesting to consider that such structures may have already been found by neurologists, but their significance overlooked, and that following the ideas given in this paper the neural correlates of consciousness could be finally located.