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 Quick Search   All fields   Author     Journal/book title   Volume   Issue   Page          Consciousness and Cognition
Volume 15, Issue 2, June 2006, Pages 433-449   Font Size:    Abstract  Abstract - selected Article Figures/Tables  Figures/Tables - selected References  References - selected Purchase PDF (206 K)
Article Toolbox   E-mail Article      Add to my Quick Links      Cited By in Scopus (18)       Related Articles in ScienceDirect An architectural model of conscious and unconscious bra...
Neural Networks
 An architectural model of conscious and unconscious brain functions: Global Workspace Theory and IDA
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Abstract
While neural net models have been developed to a high degree of sophistication, they have some drawbacks at a more integrative, “architectural” level of analysis. We describe a “hybrid” cognitive architecture that is implementable in neuronal nets, and which has uniform brainlike features, including activation-passing and highly distributed “codelets,” implementable as small-scale neural nets. Empirically, this cognitive architecture accounts qualitatively for the data described by Baars’ Global Workspace Theory (GWT), and Franklin’s LIDA architecture, including state-of-the-art models of conscious contents in action-planning, Baddeley-style Working Memory, and working models of episodic and semantic longterm memory. These terms are defined both conceptually and empirically for the current theoretical domain. The resulting architecture meets four desirable goals for a unified theory of cognition: practical workability, autonomous agency, a plausible role for conscious cognition, and translatability into plausible neural terms. It also generates testable predictions, both empirical and computational.
Purchase PDF (767 K) A Neural Global Workspace Model for Conscious Attention
Neural Networks
 A Neural Global Workspace Model for Conscious Attention
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James Newman, Bernard J. Baars, Sung-Bae Cho

Abstract
Considerable progress is being made in interdisciplinary efforts to develop a general theory of the neural correlates of consciousness. Developments of Baars' Global Workspace theory over the past decade are examples of this progress. Integrating experimental data and models from cognitive psychology, AI and neuroscience, we present a neurocognitive model in which consciousness is defined as a global integration and dissemination system — nested in a large-scale, distributed array of specialized bioprocessors — which controls the allocation of the processing resources of the central nervous system. It is posited that this global control is effected via cortical ‘gating' of a strategic thalamic nucleus. The basic circuitry of this neural system is reasonably well understood, and can be modeled, to a first approximation, employing neural network principles.
Purchase PDF (416 K) A model of agent consciousness and its implementation
Neurocomputing
 A model of agent consciousness and its implementation
Neurocomputing, Volume 69, Issues 16-18, October 2006, Pages 1984-1995
Ivan Moura

Abstract
The study of several theories and models of consciousness, among them the functional and cognitive model exhibited in Baars’ ‘Global Workspace’ theory, led us to identify computational correlates of consciousness and discuss their possible representations within a model of intelligent agent. We first review a particular agent implementation given by an abstract machine, and then identify the extensions required in order to accommodate the main attributes of consciousness. This amounts to form unconscious processor coalitions that result in the creation of contexts. These extensions can be formulated within a reified virtual machine encompassing a representation of the original machine as well as an additional introspective component.
Purchase PDF (289 K) A Software Agent Model of Consciousness
Consciousness and Cognition
 A Software Agent Model of Consciousness
Consciousness and Cognition, Volume 8, Issue 3, September 1999, Pages 285-301
Stan Franklin, Art Graesser

Abstract
Baars (1988, 1997) has proposed a psychological theory of consciousness, called global workspace theory. The present study describes a software agent implementation of that theory, called “Conscious” Mattie (CMattie). CMattie operates in a clerical domain from within a UNIX operating system, sending messages and interpreting messages in natural language that organize seminars at a university. CMattie fleshes out global workspace theory with a detailed computational model that integrates contemporary architectures in cognitive science and artificial intelligence. Baars (1997) lists the psychological “facts that any complete theory of consciousness must explain” in his appendix to In the Theater of Consciousness; global workspace theory was designed to explain these “facts.” The present article discusses how the design of CMattie accounts for these facts and thereby the extent to which it implements global workspace theory.
Purchase PDF (84 K) How conscious experience and working memory interact
Trends in Cognitive Sciences
 How conscious experience and working memory interact
Trends in Cognitive Sciences, Volume 7, Issue 4, April 2003, Pages 166-172
Bernard J. Baars, Stan Franklin

Abstract
Active components of classical working memory are conscious, but traditional theory does not account for this fact. Global Workspace theory suggests that consciousness is needed to recruit unconscious specialized networks that carry out detailed working memory functions. The IDA model provides a fine-grained analysis of this process, specifically of two classical working-memory tasks, verbal rehearsal and the utilization of a visual image. In the process, new light is shed on the interactions between conscious and unconscious aspects of working memory.
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Not yet shared with any groups doi:10.1016/j.concog.2005.11.005    
Copyright © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A cognitive architecture that combines internal simulation with a global workspace

References and further reading may be available for this article. To view references and further reading you must purchase this article.

Murray Shanahan

Received 26 April 2005.  Available online 27 December 2005.

Abstract

This paper proposes a brain-inspiredcognitive architecture that incorporates approximations to the conceptsof consciousness, imagination, and emotion. To emulate the empiricallyestablished cognitive efficacy of conscious as opposed to non-consciousinformation processing in the mammalian brain, the architecture adoptsa model of information flow from global workspace theory. Cognitivefunctions such as anticipation and planning are realised throughinternal simulation of interaction with the environment. Actionselection, in both actual and internally simulated interaction with theenvironment, is mediated by affect. An implementation of thearchitecture is described which is based on weightless neurons and isused to control a simulated robot.

Keywords: Global workspace theory; Simulation hypothesis; Models of consciousness

Article Outline

1. Introduction

2. A top-level schematic

3. Global workspace theory

4. An implementation

5. Experimental results

6. Discussion

Acknowledgements

References

Fig.1. A top-level schematic of the architecture. MC, motor cortex; SC,sensory cortex; AC, association cortex; BG, basal ganglia; and Am,amygdala.

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Fig. 2. The robot and its environment.

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Fig. 3. The global workspace architecture.

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Fig. 4. The fan-and-funnel model.

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Fig. 5. The G-RAM weightless neuron.

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Fig. 6. G-RAM maps and connections.

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Fig. 7. Visual system circuitry (VC/IT). VC, visual cortex; IT, inferotemporal cortex.

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Fig. 8. Affect circuitry (Am).

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Fig. 9. Action selection circuitry (BG/MC).

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Fig. 10. Circuitry for broadcast and inner rehearsal (GW/BG/AC). GW, global workspace.

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Fig. 11. Cycles of system-wide stability and instability.

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Fig. 12. Mutual information as an index of broadcast.

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Table 1.

An episode in a typical run

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Table 2.

A subset of the training data

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Consciousness and Cognition
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