by Bernard J. Baars | Jun 20, 2020 | AI, conscious brain, Conscious Experiences, Neurorobotics, Podcast, Psychobiology
In this episode of “On Consciousness,” neuroscientists Bernie Baars, Jeff Krichmar, and David Edelman engage in a freewheeling conversation that begins with mulling over the possible development of conscious machines — or ‘conscious artifact,’ as Gerald...
by Bernard J. Baars | May 30, 2020 | conscious brain, Cortex and Consciousness
If the cortex is the sign of consciousness, then it suggests that all vertebrates with cortex have at least some kind of consciousness. The cortex is the “organ of mind,” both conscious and unconscious aspects. That phrase “organ of mind” was written by Wilder...
by Bernard J. Baars | May 25, 2020 | conscious brain, Conscious Experiences, Cortex and Consciousness, Global Workspace Theory, Podcast, Psychobiology
Why are we conscious? Is cortex the organ of mind? Throughout human history, people have perceived the conscious brain as the great nexus of human life, of social relationships, of their personal identities and histories, in encounters with new challenges. In Episode...
by Bernard J. Baars | Apr 25, 2020 | conscious brain, Conscious Experiences, Feelings of knowing, Podcast, Psychobiology
The engine of evolution is geared to overproduce and selectively eliminate. How do biological systems confront, adapt, and survive an ever-changing world? This is the central question that defined Charles Darwin’s scientific journey. In Episode #4 of NATURALIZING...
by Bernard J. Baars | Mar 25, 2020 | conscious brain, Podcast, Psychobiology
. . . What Is Subjectivity? Consciousness is a core question of life. Making progress in understanding consciousness has an endless number of benefits — philosophical,...
by Bernard J. Baars | Mar 24, 2020 | Cortex and Consciousness, cortical signaling, mindbrain
The closer cortical activity is observed, the more it resembles coherent, task driven signaling between small regions. Major features of conscious states and contents: 1. Raw scalp EEG signature of waking. The raw scalp EEG signature of waking appears to be...
by Bernard J. Baars | Feb 22, 2020 | gerald edelman, mindbrain, Podcast, Psychobiology
. . . “You can actually study consciousness. You can do psychological studies and behavioral studies. So the question I’ve been interested in is whether we can go beyond that...
by Bernard J. Baars | Feb 17, 2020 | conscious brain, Cortex and Consciousness, mindbrain, Unconscious States
It is surprisingly difficult to prove the complete absence of consciousness. Sleep can vary in arousability from moment to moment, much like vegetative states and general anesthesia. Some mentation is often reported even when subjects are awoken from slow-wave sleep....
