Volume : III, Issue : IX, September - 2013

Global Workspace Theory: A Prominent Scientific Approach to the Nature of Consciousness

Dr. Sheeja O. K

Abstract :

The objective of this paper is to present one prominent scientific approach to consciousness by Bernard J. Baars– the Global workspace Theory (GWT). Global Workspace Theory holds the view that the ain has a fleeting integrative capacity that enables access between functions that are otherwise separate. Consciousness is the primary agent of such a global access function in humans and other mammals. GW holds the view that the role of consciousness is to facilitate information exchange among multiple specialized unconscious processes in the ain. Consciousness is a state of global activation in a “workspace”. Somewhat similar idea has been introduced by Jerry Fodor. Fodor has placed greatest emphasis on information encapsulation. But there are some criticisms too. GWT does not answer the hard problem of consciousness. And Dennett doubts whether GWT is a “Cartesian Theatre”. However, Baar’s account of global workspace is a promising scientific approach in explaining consciousness.

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Article: Download PDF   DOI : 10.36106/ijar  

Cite This Article:

Dr. Sheeja O.K Global Workspace Theory: A Prominent Scientific Approach to the Nature of Consciousness Indian Journal of Applied Research, Vol.III, Issue.IX September 2013

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