An interdisciplinary approach towards a theory of consciousness.
Instead of attacking the difficult problem of consciousness or self-consciousness directly, the theory is based on the more basic concept of reflection. A concept of reflection is suggested on four levels (recursion, reflective thinking, self-reflection, intersubjective reflection). We propose the glial-neuronal interaction as a neurobiological substrate for reflection processes. It is assumed that glia have a boundary-setting function (scaffolding, compartmentalization) in the spatio-temporal interaction with the neurons. This function could be a possible mechanism of 'dividing' the brain into different self-systems each with their own capacity of self-organization. Although the brain's different self-systems are normally integrated, they may disintegrate and show themselves in special states of the brain (e.g. multiple personality disorder). A tree of reflection consisting of a number of places (ontological loci) on which reflection processes of varying complexity take place, is suggested as the formal model. Finally, the problem of self-conscious qualitative experience (Qualia) is discussed in terms of the reflection model.
Mitterauer
B
B
Institute of Forensic Neuropsychiatry, University of Salzburg, Austria. mitter@edvz.sbg.ac.at
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology; D003243:Consciousness; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D010684:Philosophy