Abstract:
The lecture will delve into the evolutionary trajectory of consciousness, encompassing its diverse dimensions, neural correlates, and the pivotal role of the neocortex and association cortex in the development of consciousness. Consciousness is not an exclusive human attribute. It can be categorized into noetic (awareness of present stimuli), anoetic (simple awareness without memory), and autonoetic (self-awareness with memory) levels. The journey begins with basic awareness in primitive life forms, gradually progressing to subjective experiences and mental representations in higher organisms. In the human brain, the neocortex of association cortex plays a central role in the emergence of consciousness. It is responsible for higher-order cognitive functions by integrating and synthesizing information from various brain regions, leading to complex thought processes and self-awareness. The interplay between the association cortex and other brain regions establishes the neural foundation for consciousness, allowing for the formation of a coherent self-representation and an awareness of the surrounding world. Animal cognition offers insights into noetic and anoetic consciousness, challenging anthropocentric views. As artificial intelligence advances, questions arise about consciousness beyond biological systems. Understanding the evolution of consciousness and its neural correlates, particularly the significance of the association cortex, sheds light on its nature and importance in the ever-unfolding the story of the evolution of human brain.
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DOI:
DOI not available
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Journal: Abstract Book on 9th Annual Neuroscience Conference (ANC-23) August 12-13, 2023 , Volume: 0, Issue: 0, Year: 2023