Cited by 33Philosophy and Theoretical ScienceNeural dynamics and brain functionFree Will and Agency

Towards an integrative theory of consciousness: Part 1 (Neurobiological and cognitive models)

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De Sousa, Avinash·2013·Mens Sana Monographs

Abstract

The study of consciousness is poised today at interesting crossroads. There has been a surge of research into various neurobiological underpinnings of consciousness in the past decade. The present article looks at the theories regarding this complex phenomenon, especially the ones that neurobiology, cognitive neuroscience and cognitive psychology have to offer. We will first discuss the origin and etymology of word consciousness and its usage. Neurobiological correlates of consciousness are discussed with structures like the ascending reticular activating system, the amygdala, the cerebellum, the thalamus, the frontoparietal circuits, the prefrontal cortex and the precuneus. The cellular and microlevel theories of consciousness and cerebral activity at the neuronal level contributing to consciousness are highlighted, along with the various theories posited in this area. The role of neuronal assemblies and circuits along with firing patterns and their ramifications for the understanding of consciousness are discussed. A section on the role of anaesthesia and its links to consciousness is presented, along with details of split-brain studies in consciousness and altered states of awareness, including the vegetative states. The article finally discusses the progress cognitive psychology has made in identifying and theorising various perspectives of consciousness, perceptual awareness and conscious processing. Both recent and past researches are highlighted. The importance and salient features of each theory are discussed along with the pitfalls, if present. A need for integration of various theories to understand consciousness from a holistic perspective is stressed, to enable one to reach a theory that explains the ultimate neurobiology of consciousness.

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  • Quantum effects have been implicated in photosynthesis.

    “Quantum effects have been implicated in photosynthesis, a process fundamental to life on earth.”

    From Quantum effects in the brain: A review (2020) · cites this paper as [51]

  • The efficacy of energy transfer and charge separation in photosynthesis might be enhanced by quantum effects.

    “In particular the study of photosynthesis has revealed that the efficacy of energy transfer and charge separation might be enhanced by quantum effects [49][50][51][52][53][54] .”

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Research works printed but not linked: 13

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Authors
De Sousa, A.
Venue
Mens Sana Monographs
Publisher
Medknow
Published
2013
Volume
11
Issue
1
Pages
100
ISSN
0973-1229 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2032282243
Cited by
33
References
232
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2024: 2 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 3
FWCI
4.52
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by-nc-sa
Locations
  • Mens Sana monographs (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Philosophy and Theoretical Science
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Free Will and Agency
Keywords
consciousness, theory of consciousness, ascending reticular activating system, amygdala, cerebellum, thalamus, prefrontal cortex, precuneus, cell assemblies, neuronal firing patterns, anesthesia, split-brain, vegetative state, perceptual awareness, conscious processing, cognitive psychology

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