‘OUTLANDISH’ COMPETITION SEEKS THE BRAIN’S SOURCE OF CONSCIOUSNESS

 ‘OUTLANDISH’ COMPETITION SEEKS THE BRAIN’S SOURCE OF CONSCIOUSNESS

source:
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/10/outlandish-competition-seeks-brain-s-source-consciousness

CONTENDER NO1
The GWT says the brain's prefrontal cortex, which controls higher order cognitive processes like decision-making, acts as a central computer that collects and prioritizes information from sensory input. It then broadcasts the information to other parts of the brain that carry out tasks. Dehaene thinks this selection process is what we perceive as consciousness.

CONTENDER NO2
By contrast, the IIT proposes that consciousness arises from the interconnectedness of brain networks. The more neurons interact with one another, the more a being feels conscious—even without sensory input. IIT proponents suspect this process occurs in the back of the brain, where neurons connect in a gridlike structure.

From my reading and research I am going to make a bold bet, I'm backing CONTENDER NO2 in this play-off.

My reason is that I believe consciousness has evolved from 300m years and the 'reptile brain' pre-dates the 'central computer' cortex and a lot of decision-making is instinctive,  unconscious, or sub-conscious and my view (note I am not a neuroscientist!) is that consciousness has 'evolved from the wiring' and will continue to evolve as brains become more sophisticated with passing generations. Of course this is conjecture, which is why the $20 million project is being launched.

As a Consultant and Coach interested in how people and organisations set and achieve their goals I will  follow with interest.

Tim HJ Rogers   
MBA (Management Consultancy) & Change Practitioner
ICF Trained Coach IoD Business Mentor
Tim@AdaptConsultingCompany.com
Mob 447797762051