TY - JOUR
T1 - From non-conscious processing to conscious events
T2 - A minimalist approach
AU - Sklar, Asael Y.
AU - Kardosh, Rasha
AU - Hassin, Ran R.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2021 The Author(s).
PY - 2021
Y1 - 2021
N2 - The minimalist approach that we develop here is a framework that allows to appreciate how non-conscious processing and conscious contents shape human cognition, broadly defined. It is composed of three simple principles. First, cognitive processes are inherently non-conscious, while their inputs and (interim) outputs may be consciously experienced. Second, non-conscious processes and elements of the cognitive architecture prioritize information for conscious experiences. Third, conscious events are composed of series of conscious contents and non-conscious processes, with increased duration leading to more opportunity for processing. The narrowness of conscious experiences is conceptualized here as a solution to the problem of channeling the plethora of non-conscious processes into action and communication processes that are largely serial. The framework highlights the importance of prioritization for consciousness, and we provide an illustrative review of three main factors that shape prioritization - stimulus strength, motivational relevance and mental accessibility. We further discuss when and how this framework (i) is compatible with previous theories, (ii) enables new understandings of established findings and models, and (iii) generates new predictions and understandings.
AB - The minimalist approach that we develop here is a framework that allows to appreciate how non-conscious processing and conscious contents shape human cognition, broadly defined. It is composed of three simple principles. First, cognitive processes are inherently non-conscious, while their inputs and (interim) outputs may be consciously experienced. Second, non-conscious processes and elements of the cognitive architecture prioritize information for conscious experiences. Third, conscious events are composed of series of conscious contents and non-conscious processes, with increased duration leading to more opportunity for processing. The narrowness of conscious experiences is conceptualized here as a solution to the problem of channeling the plethora of non-conscious processes into action and communication processes that are largely serial. The framework highlights the importance of prioritization for consciousness, and we provide an illustrative review of three main factors that shape prioritization - stimulus strength, motivational relevance and mental accessibility. We further discuss when and how this framework (i) is compatible with previous theories, (ii) enables new understandings of established findings and models, and (iii) generates new predictions and understandings.
KW - consciousness
KW - function of consciousness
KW - nonconscious processes
KW - selection for consciousness
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85126520812&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1093/nc/niab026
DO - 10.1093/nc/niab026
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AN - SCOPUS:85126520812
SN - 2057-2107
VL - 2021
JO - Neuroscience of Consciousness
JF - Neuroscience of Consciousness
IS - 2
M1 - niab026
ER -