Bitter argument breaks out over controversial theory of consciousness
New ScientistMAY 4
Brain Study Explores Origins of Consciousness
Above: A digital artwork depicting the synergy between the human brain and artificial intelligence (AI). Image copyright: Unsplash
The Spin
Narrative A
The evidence points to consciousness arising from sensory processing rather than higher-order thinking. The prefrontal cortex may be critical for intelligence and reasoning, but it's not where conscious experience lives. This groundbreaking study shows that the back of the brain, where visual processing occurs, plays a more fundamental role in generating conscious experience than previously thought. The findings challenge decades of assumptions about where consciousness comes from.
Narrative B
While the study provides interesting data, it's premature to dismiss the role of the prefrontal cortex in consciousness. Often called the brain's "personality center" for its role in decision-making and complex thought, the prefrontal cortex has long been central to consciousness research. One study isn't enough to override decades of supporting evidence, especially with coarse methods and diverging theoretical assumptions. Understanding consciousness will take much more work.
Narrative C
The study's greatest achievement lies in its methodology. Unlike typical research, it was an open-science collaboration with publicly registered predictions, replicated experiments, and an adversarial collaboration between theory proponents. While the findings offered few definitive answers, the transparency eliminated post hoc rationalizations, enabling a more objective investigation of consciousness and a more reliable exploration of competing theories. It sets a new benchmark for scientific debate on complex issues.