About the compatibility between the perturbational complexity index and the global neuronal workspace theory of consciousness

Abstract

This paper investigates the compatibility between the theoretical framework of the global neuronal workspace theory (GNWT) of conscious processing and the perturbational complexity index (PCI). Even if it has been introduced within the framework of a concurrent theory (i.e. Integrated Information Theory), PCI appears, in principle, compatible with the main tenet of GNWT, which is a conscious process that depends on a long-range connection between different cortical regions, more specifically on the amplification, global propagation, and integration of brain signals. Notwithstanding this basic compatibility, a number of limited compatibilities and apparent differences emerge. This paper starts from the description of brain complexity, a notion that is crucial for PCI, to then summary of the main features of PCI and the main tenets of GNWT. Against this background, the text explores the compatibility between PCI and GNWT. It concludes that GNWT and PCI are fundamentally compatible, even though there are some partial disagreements and some points to further examine.

What does it mean for consciousness to be multidimensional? A narrative review

“…The missing representation of this theoretical space may be partly explained by the association of complexity measures with IIT. However, GWT is not conceptually incompatible with the dimensional description or structure of consciousness, and neither is it, as has been recently argued (Farisco and Changeux, 2023), incompatible with the use of complexity measures to characterize states of consciousness.…”

Scientific publication rate in disorders of consciousness research

“…The capability of the severely damaged brain to express surviving modular functions despite impaired corticocortical/cortico-subcortical connectivity has been understood as expressing retained, covert cognition/consciousness and as estimate of possible use in outcome prediction. Opponents suggested that markers of residual neural activity cannot be automatically extrapolated to qualify as surrogates for conscious activity, but only document local responsiveness of modular networks (Schiff et al, 2002 ; Celesia and Sannita, 2013 ; Farisco and Changeux, 2023 ; Liuzzi et al, 2023 ). Interest for the current diagnostic criteria and implications in medical care, legal or popular perception of bioethical issues, availability of human resources and logistics, and healthcare policies also increased, although without a steady trend.…”