Global workspace theory

Definition

Global workspace theory is a cognitive architecture that suggests consciousness functions like a global broadcasting system, where information from various cognitive processes is made available for access and use in decision-making and behavior. This theory emphasizes the role of attention in bringing information into consciousness, allowing for selective awareness of thoughts, perceptions, and experiences, often referred to as qualia.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Global workspace theory was proposed by cognitive scientist Bernard Baars in the 1980s as a framework for understanding consciousness.
2. According to this theory, unconscious processes contribute to information processing, but only a small subset of this information reaches consciousness through attention.
3. This theory suggests that consciousness serves an important communicative function by allowing different cognitive modules to share information.
4. Global workspace theory helps explain why we can consciously process only a limited amount of information at one time while still performing many other tasks unconsciously.
5. The theory also indicates that consciousness can be influenced by external stimuli, such as environmental cues that capture our attention.

Review Questions

• How does global workspace theory explain the relationship between attention and consciousness?
  • Global workspace theory explains that attention acts as a filter that determines which pieces of information become part of conscious awareness. When something captures our attention, it is broadcasted into the 'global workspace' of consciousness, allowing it to influence our thoughts and actions. This means that not all information processed by the brain reaches consciousness; rather, only selected inputs are available for conscious thought and decision-making.
• Discuss the implications of global workspace theory on our understanding of qualia and subjective experience.
  • The implications of global workspace theory on our understanding of qualia are significant. It posits that qualia arise from the interactions within the global workspace, where various sensory inputs are integrated and made accessible to conscious thought. This means that our subjective experiences are shaped by which aspects of sensory input receive attention and become consciously processed. Understanding this relationship can help explain variations in individual perception and experience across different contexts.
• Evaluate how global workspace theory could inform future research in cognitive science and artificial intelligence.
  • Evaluating global workspace theory suggests it could greatly inform future research in both cognitive science and artificial intelligence. By modeling how attention affects consciousness, researchers can develop more sophisticated AI systems that simulate aspects of human cognition. Moreover, understanding the mechanisms behind how information is prioritized for conscious processing can lead to advances in treatments for disorders related to attention and consciousness. This could bridge the gap between human cognitive processes and machine learning models, enhancing our grasp of both fields.

Related terms

Consciousness: The state of being aware of and able to think about one's own existence, thoughts, and surroundings.

Qualia: The subjective, individual experiences of perception and sensation, such as the way colors or tastes are personally experienced.

Working Memory: A cognitive system that temporarily holds and manipulates information for various tasks, playing a crucial role in conscious thought and decision-making.