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The H I Mind Theory of Core Consciousness.
John Cochrane Jan-April 2025
This theory is the fourth of four theories about human consciousness associated with the H I Mind Model. The four theories are independent, in the sense that each addresses a different aspect of consciousness and do not rely on each other. Each theory contributes, subject to verification, to an overall understanding of the function and experience of human consciousness.
This theory suggests a possible mechanism that can help explain how Core Consciousness successfully combines the processing of information from focuses of mind associated with both brain hemispheres into the single conscious stream that we seem to experience.
Combining processing from both hemispheres potentially acts as a multiplier of consciousness as well as boosting attentional flexibility and behavioural resilience.
Hemispheric Contributions.
I have suggested that both hemispheres, each represented by two focuses of mind, produce their own simulations that are combined by the Core Consciousness into a single story-line. But how is this done?
I suggest that there are several possibilities, and even that all these may play out in different states of mind.
The Corpus Callosum and Claustrum may be implicated in each of these possibilities.
One possible mechanism is some form of rapid switching back and forth between the hemispheres to extend the simulations represented in a shared Working Memory. The Core Consciousness that we experience is produced as both hemispheres, in effect, observe one another at the same time as sharing their processing via Working Memory.
The rapid switching back and forth can provide a sense of self-awareness, a form of observation of the work-in-progress whilst also performing the functional task of problem-solving. When the switching is rapid then the perception of the work-in-progress would presumably, like watching a video, produce the illusion of continuous progress.
A second possibility is a form of back and forth ‘discussion’ between the hemispheres. Each hemisphere takes turns to ‘listen’ and then to ‘talk’. When the hemispheres reach some form of agreement, or one hemisphere predominates, then the Working Memory is updated as a continuation of the story-line.
Here, the sense of self-awareness comes from the concentrated conversation rather than from the illusion of reviewing the current Working Memory.
A third possibility is that one hemisphere tends to predominate and the other hemisphere contributes alternatives to the current ‘preferred simulation’. These alternatives may be close to what we think of as intuition and influence the story-line held in Working Memory rather than forcing a direct contribution.
Self-awareness is still bound to the current story-line but in this case comes mainly from a continuous review of that story-line. This would probably imply that several story-lines are maintained within Working Memory and that the Working Memory need not be fully ‘shared’.
Each of these options, or combinations of them, require directed research to move from supposition to testability.
Hemispheric Self-Observation.
An alternative way of appreciating this is to think of self-awareness as self-observation. Self-observation is thinking about self as well as being the self being thought about. This is what is created by the swapping processes described in this theory.
If the two hemispheres do share a common Working Memory (or similar) then both can contribute to an internal dialogue but need not be directly aware of the other, if indeed the individual hemispheres have their own awarenesses.
Working Memory provides the continuity required for successful collaboration between the hemispheres and provides, in effect, an executive-level simulation. Working Memory holds the constantly-extending story-line that is so important to human consciousness.
Note.
A rudimentary search of research studies (cherry-picking perhaps) can support the concepts of shared Working Memory, as well as independent hemispheric Working Memory, and synchronized brain wave activity as hemispheres collaborate on perception tasks.
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