Single Idea 4935

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / B. Features of Minds / 5. Qualia / c. Explaining qualia]

Full Idea

The pure sensation of red is a particular neural state identified by a point within the N-dimensional neural space defined by the integrated activity of all the group of neurons that constitute the dynamic core.

Clarification

The 'dynamic core' is the conscious part of the brain

Gist of Idea

The sensation of red is a point in neural space created by dimensions of neuronal activity

Source

G Edelman / G Tononi (Consciousness: matter becomes imagination [2000], Ch.13)

Book Reference

Edelman,G/Tononi,G: 'Consciousness: how matter becomes imagination' [Penguin 2000], p.167


A Reaction

This hardly answers the Hard Question (why experience it? why that experience?), but it is interesting to see a neuroscientist fishing for an account of qualia. He says three types of neuron firing generate the dimensions of the 'space'.