13 Jan
2022
13 Jan
'22
12:38 p.m.
*Time*: 4pm (to 5:30pm) Budapest/Vienna time
*Date*: Wednesday, January 19, 2022
*Venue*: Online, Zoom meeting 942 7892 8352
<https://us06web.zoom.us/j/94278928352?pwd=ckljaElMYnJtYW41b25sVGZNU09kQT09>,
pw: xfhq44
*Chair:* Gergely Csibra
*Speaker*: Tecumseh Fitch
<https://cogbio.univie.ac.at/people/staff/tecumseh-fitch/> (Universität
Wien)
*Title*: *Evolutionary Functions of Consciousness*
*Abstract*: Despite ever-growing interest, and some empirical progress, in
understanding the neural basis of consciousness in the last decade, its
evolutionary function has been relatively neglected. I will briefly review
existing hypotheses, and advance my own action-based hypothesis concerning
the evolutionary and computational functions of consciousness that I term
“consciousness as credit allocation” (CCA). This holds that the function of
consciousness, from a computational viewpoint, is to allocate credit and
blame to the multiple parallel hypotheses that typically underlie (and
precede) action. Coherent updating in a parallel system demands a system
for credit and blame allocation, so that each of the semi-independent
processing units (small assemblages of neurons) be informed about the final
"decision" of the system as a whole. The complementary evolutionary
function follows from the Helmholtzian view of the brain as an unconscious
inference machine, but as applied to action: namely that action is
typically preceded by multiple unconsciously simulated actions, competing
in parallel for final execution. In order to learn from the outcome, a
“tagging” system is required that broadcasts the final action chosen and
executed to all relevant brain regions, allowing appropriate allocation of
credit (for positive outcomes) or blame (for mistakes). This model implies
the existence of first-order consciousness in most vertebrates and in any
brain capable of simultaneously entertaining competing hypotheses (e.g.
including cephalopods).
References:
Fitch (in press) Why evolve consciousness? Neural credit and blame
allocation as a core function of consciousness. Behavioral and Brain
Sciences.
Fitch (2008). Nano-intentionality: A defense of intrinsic intentionality.
Biology and Philosophy, 23(2), 157-177
*Please let me know if you would like to schedule an online meeting with
Tecumseh on the afternoon of January 19. *
Note that our online colloquia are not advertised outside the department to
avoid technical difficulties if too many people want to attend. However,
you are welcome to invite specific individuals to join the session – as
long as they don't distribute the event further.
______________________________________________
Subscribe by sending an empty mail to talks-subscribe(a)cogsci.ceu.edu
Unsubscribe by sending an empty mail to talks-unsubscribe(a)cogsci.ceu.edu