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The H I Theory of Core Consciousness.
John Cochrane Jan-Sep 2025
This theory suggests a possible mechanism that can help explain how the core of 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.
Four Theories.
This theory is the fourth of four theories that address different aspects of human consciousness associated with the Hemispheric Intelligence (HI) Mind Model.
The four theories are largely independent, in the sense that each addresses a different aspect of consciousness and do not rely strongly on each other. Each theory contributes, subject to verification, to an overall understanding of the function and experience of human consciousness.
Each of the theories are broadly compatible with Global Workspace Theory and/or similar theories that approach consciousness through the processes apparent in the brain as a whole. The theories are also broadly relatable to the Thousand Brains Model of intelligence as well as modern hemispheric research and theories.
Hemispheric Enhancement.
There are a number of reasons to identify the hemispheric structure of the brain as important for understanding consciousness.
In evolutionary terms the hemispheric brain has been a prime structure for many millions of years. One obvious benefit is the ‘two heads are better than one’ observation. With two hemispheres there is a raised chance of dangers and opportunities to be identified quickly, directly improving individual survival.
A simple additional step is to evolve mechanisms that allow each hemisphere to specialise on different survival attributes. This then allows for each hemisphere to host more sophistication in those specialisations, particularly in terms of cortical sophistication.
Combining processing from both hemispheres potentially acts as a multiplier of intelligence and of consciousness, through the benefit of rapid diversity of sensory and functional processing. This brings a significant potential boost to attentional flexibility and behavioural resilience.
The resulting boost of consciousness and intellectual capability is further enhanced by the development of language-based symbolic thinking. This might explain why human consciousness seems to be so superior, in terms of flexibility and resilience, to other contemporaneous life forms.
Finally, the development of specialised brain hemispheres encourages the evolution of faster and more complex neurons in the midline meeting point that joins the hemispheres. With this potential enhancement of processing capability and the creation of a communication-hub within the brain, the evolution of a centralised, concentrated, focus of essential consciousness becomes possible.
All these observations imply that the continuing evolution of brain hemispheres is likely to greatly enhance the nature and sophistication of intellectual consciousness, with a key location within and around the hemispheric midline (Corpus Callosum etc.).
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 of consciousness (acting as a fifth, overseeing, focus of mind) into a single conscious storyline.
I use the term ‘Hemispheric Consciousness’ to describe the core of consciousness that is available due to the combination of processing from the main brain hemispheres. Our particular experience of consciousness at a particular moment in time is, in effect, a combination of different characteristics, attributes, and aspects of consciousness contributed by different parts of the brain and combined into a single experience that is continuously changing over time. Consciousness is a very variable and dynamic process which we experience as a single ongoing process.
Mechanisms for Hemispheric Consciousness.
But how is Hemispheric Consciousness produced?
I suggest that there are several possibilities, and that all these may play out in different states of mind.
The Corpus Callosum, Claustrum, and other midline brain regions 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 storyline.
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 storyline held in Working Memory rather than forcing a direct contribution.
Self-awareness is still bound to the current storyline but in this case comes mainly from a continuous review of that storyline. This would probably imply that several storylines 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.
Curiosity.
Although not really an essential part of this theory, curiosity, it seems to me, contributes vitally to consciousness. It could be that curiosity acts as a motivational stimulus to the hemispheric mechanisms already mentioned.
Curiosity may provide a simple metronomic input, or an attention-manager to control the hemispheric processes that, I suggest, result in our experience of consciousness. If this were found to be valid, it might imply that curiosity should be included in our understanding of the process of consciousness even if it is not directly observable as part of our experiential stream of consciousness.
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 awareness's.
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 storyline that is so important to human consciousness.
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