Chapter 16 - The Neural Correlates of Consciousness

Abstract

The neural correlates of consciousness refer to the relationships between mental states and neural states. This chapter discusses the problem of the association between consciousness and neural activity. Functional imaging plays a major role in identification of the neural correlates of consciousness. This chapter also discusses some of these studies and the implications of their results. Studies of normal sleep and of patients in abnormal states of arousal suggest that activity in cortico-thalamic circuitry is necessary for any kind of conscious experience. A number of areas in sensory cortex have been identified where activity is necessary for the conscious experience of particular objects and features. However, this activity is not sufficient for conscious experience of these objects and features. Additional activity is also required in frontal and parietal regions. While there is evidence about activity that is necessary for conscious experience, nothing is known about activity that is sufficient for conscious experience. Further studies of awareness of the motor system and awareness of other people are needed for the progress in this area.