The neuroscience of consciousness seeks to identify the neural mechanisms that give rise to conscious experience. From the microscopic level of neural synchrony to the macroscopic level of large-scale brain networks, researchers are mapping the physical substrate of awareness.

Key subtopics: NCC, GWT/GNW, IIT, Predictive Processing, Free Energy Principle, Recurrent Processing Theory, Attention Schema Theory, Default Mode Network, Thalamocortical Loops, Neural Synchrony

10 Entries
9 Thinkers
3 Open Access

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A Cognitive Theory of Consciousness

Bernard Baars

Consciousness functions as a "global workspace" — unconscious specialized processors compete for access; the winners broadcast their content globally, making it conscious. Theatre metaphor: bright …

Global Workspace Theory
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A Default Mode of Brain Function

Marcus E. Raichle, Ann M. MacLeod, Abraham Z. Snyder, William J. Powers, Debra A. Gusnard, and Gordon L. Shulman

Identified a set of brain regions (mPFC, PCC/precuneus, angular gyri, MTL) consistently more active during passive rest than during task performance. This "default mode" correlates with …

Default Mode Network
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An Information Integration Theory of Consciousness

Giulio Tononi

Derives five phenomenological axioms (consciousness is real, structured, specific, unitary, definite) and corresponding physical postulates. Consciousness = integrated information (Φ). IIT-3.0 (2016) …

Integrated Information Theory (IIT)
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Being You: A New Science of Consciousness

Anil Seth

"Controlled hallucination" framework: perception is the brain's best controlled hallucination, constrained by sensory data. Consciousness is the experience of being a self — a perception constructed …

Predictive processing account of consciousness

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Consciousness for Beginners

No background required. Ten essential works that open the door to consciousness studies — from Nagel's bat to Tononi's integrated information.

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Science-Spirituality Bridge

How modern science (panpsychism, neurophenomenology, predictive processing) converges with ancient contemplative wisdom (Advaita, Buddhism, Kashmir Shaivism).

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Deepen Your Study

Full-length courses on neuroscience of consciousness are available on holisticconsciousness.in — the companion LMS for seekersabodepl.com.