Consciousness from Neurons 1

Consciousness derives from a neural process that requires unceasing metabolic support, and probably involves only a select population of neocortical elements. The essential process must operate for roughly more than 100 msec for sensorial registration (Libet). It is highly unlikely that the essence of the process lies in its computational logic and hence it can never be produced by inanimate machines. Since the process is thus unique to neurons, and since the consciousness of the left hemisphere normally communicates with that of the right (and probably vice versa) via the forebrain cornmissures, at least some portion of the nerve impulse traffic across the commissures must possess a wholly mysterious property enabling its transcendent compilation into a unified conscious experience. Comprehending the nature of this property which couples ionic fluxions into mentality is the quintessential problem of science. The forebrain commissures may ultimately provide the clues for its solution. The mystery of consciousness unites all humankind as does no other experience or phenomenon. The deepest aspirations of religion are to enhance or to preserve it. For science it is the ultimate solipsism, so far wholly inaccessible, yet undeniable. The thesis of this essay is that the To the memory of Jerzy Konorski, brave pilot of the waters skirted here. I can vividly imagine the zest and skill with which he would have responded, to elaborate, to clarify, to refute, to immerse himself vigorously in the arguments I now present. May the verve, the devout honesty and ceaseless creativity he brought to neuroscience remain forever with its practitioners.