Reorganization of the connectivity between Elementary Functions as a common mechanism of phenomenal consciousness and working memory: From functions to strategies

TY - JOUR

T1 - Reorganization of the connectivity between Elementary Functions as a common mechanism of phenomenal consciousness and working memory

T2 - From functions to strategies

AU - Mogensen, Jesper

AU - Overgaard, Morten

PY - 2018

Y1 - 2018

N2 - In the present communication, phenomenal consciousness, access consciousness and the closely related concept of working memory are presented in the context of a neurocognitive model-the REF (reorganization of elementary functions) framework. The REF framework is based on connectionist networks within which the 'units' are advanced processing modules called elementary functions (EFs). In this framework, the focus is on dynamically changeable 'strategies'-based on reorganizations of the connectivity between EFs-rather than on the more traditional 'cognitive functions'. The background for the REF framework and especially how the neural correlate of consciousness is understood within these models is summarized. According to the REF framework, phenomenal consciousness cannot 'overflow' availability of information for action. Phenomenal consciousness may, however, overflow working memory because working memory in the present context is seen as a surface phenomenon reflecting underlying dynamic strategies-influenced by both experience and situational factors.This article is part of the theme issue 'Perceptual consciousness and cognitive access'.

AB - In the present communication, phenomenal consciousness, access consciousness and the closely related concept of working memory are presented in the context of a neurocognitive model-the REF (reorganization of elementary functions) framework. The REF framework is based on connectionist networks within which the 'units' are advanced processing modules called elementary functions (EFs). In this framework, the focus is on dynamically changeable 'strategies'-based on reorganizations of the connectivity between EFs-rather than on the more traditional 'cognitive functions'. The background for the REF framework and especially how the neural correlate of consciousness is understood within these models is summarized. According to the REF framework, phenomenal consciousness cannot 'overflow' availability of information for action. Phenomenal consciousness may, however, overflow working memory because working memory in the present context is seen as a surface phenomenon reflecting underlying dynamic strategies-influenced by both experience and situational factors.This article is part of the theme issue 'Perceptual consciousness and cognitive access'.

KW - Access consciousness

KW - Neural correlate of consciousness (NCC)

KW - Neurocognitive modeling

KW - Phenomenal consciousness

KW - The REF (reorganization of elementary functions) framework

KW - Working memory

U2 - 10.1098/rstb.2017.0346

DO - 10.1098/rstb.2017.0346

M3 - Review

C2 - 30061460

SN - 0962-8436

VL - 373

JO - Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

JF - Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

IS - 1755

M1 - 20170346

ER -