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Single Idea 4928

[filed under theme 18. Thought / B. Mechanics of Thought / 3. Modularity of Mind ]

Full Idea

A theoretical analysis of complexity suggests that neuronal complexity strikes an optimum balance between segregation and integration, which fits the view of the brain as a collection of specialists who talk to each other a lot.

Gist of Idea

Brain complexity balances segregation and integration, like a good team of specialists

Source

G Edelman / G Tononi (Consciousness: matter becomes imagination [2000], Ch.11)

Book Ref

Edelman,G/Tononi,G: 'Consciousness: how matter becomes imagination' [Penguin 2000], p.136

A Reaction

This is a theoretical point, but comes from a leading neuroscientist, and seems to endorse Fodor's modularity proposal. For a philosopher, one of the issues here is how to reconcile the segregation with the Cartesian unity and personal identity of a mind.

The 21 ideas from G Edelman / G Tononi

5793 Concepts and generalisations result from brain 'global mapping' by 'reentry' [Edelman/Tononi, by Searle]
4922 Consciousness involves interaction with persons and the world, as well as brain functions [Edelman/Tononi]
4924 A conscious human being rapidly reunifies its mind after any damage to the brain [Edelman/Tononi]
4923 The three essentials of conscious experience are privateness, unity and informativeness [Edelman/Tononi]
4925 Brains can initiate free actions before the person is aware of their own decision [Edelman/Tononi]
4926 Concepts arise when the brain maps its own activities [Edelman/Tononi]
4928 Brain complexity balances segregation and integration, like a good team of specialists [Edelman/Tononi]
4927 Information-processing views of the brain assume the existence of 'information', and dubious brain codes [Edelman/Tononi]
4929 Dreams and imagery show the brain can generate awareness and meaning without input [Edelman/Tononi]
4933 Consciousness is a process, not a thing, as it maintains unity as its composition changes [Edelman/Tononi]
4931 Consciousness is a process (of neural interactions), not a location, thing, property, connectivity, or activity [Edelman/Tononi]
4930 Consciousness arises from high speed interactions between clusters of neurons [Edelman/Tononi]
4932 A conscious state endures for about 100 milliseconds, known as the 'specious present' [Edelman/Tononi]
4934 Cultures have a common core of colour naming, based on three axes of colour pairs [Edelman/Tononi]
4935 The sensation of red is a point in neural space created by dimensions of neuronal activity [Edelman/Tononi]
4936 The self is founded on bodily awareness centred in the brain stem [Edelman/Tononi]
4937 Systems that generate a sense of value are basic to the primitive brain [Edelman/Tononi]
4939 A sense of self begins either internally, or externally through language and society [Edelman/Tononi]
4938 Prior to language, concepts are universals created by self-mapping of brain activity [Edelman/Tononi]
4941 Consciousness can create new axioms, but computers can't do that [Edelman/Tononi]
4940 Physicists see information as a measure of order, but for biologists it is symbolic exchange between animals [Edelman/Tononi]