Original title: A review of the sufficient conditions for consciousness
Authors: Peter Coppola
In this article, the author explores the elusive question of how consciousness arises from material processes in the brain. While previous research has focused mainly on the cortex and subcortex, the author argues that the cerebellum should not be overlooked. Neuroimaging studies have shown a strong correlation between cerebellar, cortical, and subcortical functions and consciousness. Additionally, neurostimulation evidence suggests that altering any part of the brain can affect subjective experience, with the most dramatic changes occurring in the subcortex.
The author further examines neuropsychological evidence, finding that damage to any part of the brain can provoke changes in experience, but only damage to the oldest regions completely abolishes consciousness. Moreover, the author reviews congenital and experimental cases of individuals lacking a cortex and finds that their behavioral evidence aligns with the absence of conscious experience.
Overall, the evidence suggests that consciousness can be supported by the body, subcortex, and external environment. Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of an individual’s developmental trajectory and the interconnectedness of different neural systems.
Original article: https://arxiv.org/abs/2311.09236