Abstract
We consider cortex-like complex systems in the form of strongly connected, directednetworks-of-networks. In such a network, there are spiking dynamics at each of the nodes (modelling neurones), together with non-trivial time-lags associated with each of the directed edges (modelling synapses). The connections of the outer network are sparse, while the many inner networks, called modules, are dense. These systems may process various incoming stimulations by producing whole-system dynamical responses. We specifically discuss a generic class of systems with up to 10 billion nodes simulating the human cerebral cortex. It has recently been argued that such a system’s responses to a wide range of stimulations may be classified into a number of latent, internal dynamicalmodes. The modes might be interpreted as focussing and biasing the system’s short-term dynamical system responses to any further stimuli. In this work, we illustrate how latent modes may be shown to be both present and significant within very large-scale simulations for a wide and appropriate class of complex systems. We argue that they may explain the inner experience of the human brain.
Highlights
In [1] it was argued that the human brain’s response to incoming stimuli can be thought of as incorporating two distinct mechanisms: firstly, the brain must interpret what is going on, and recognize the various possible stimuli as representing external elements that are at play, by utilizing a hierarchy of possible physical elements of increasing complexity and abstraction
That apparatus is understood in the form of a network-of-networks [1, 3, 4]
While [7] gives a technical account of this type of mathematical modelling, simulation, and post-processing analytics, here we shall set out the implications of those results for the most basic element of human consciousness: how and why does the architecture and dynamics of the human cortex give rise to internal feelings? We shall show that such systems, which are large-scale models for a human brain, necessarily exhibit internal modes in their dynamical response
Summary
In [1] it was argued that the human brain’s response to incoming stimuli can be thought of as incorporating two distinct mechanisms: firstly, the brain must interpret what is going on (externally), and recognize the various possible stimuli as representing external elements that are at play, by utilizing a hierarchy of possible physical elements of increasing complexity and abstraction. We will show that latent variables provide long-range feedback and biases that constrain the processes of recognizing real elements (in perceiving the external world) This implies an important evolutionary role for such internal modes, not least in developing rapid decision making. While [7] gives a technical account of this type of mathematical modelling, simulation, and post-processing analytics, here we shall set out the implications of those results for the most basic element of human consciousness: how and why does the architecture and dynamics of the human cortex give rise to internal feelings? The very large-scale of the highly modular systems’ architecture and dynamical specifications and the multiple simulation tasks required the development of observational (watching) and analytical (post-processing) methods For those synthetic simulations one can look inside at any and all scales, right down to the individual nodes (neurones): which would be impossible for any human brain.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
