What is consciousness? This course begins by exploring different definitions and concepts used in the field surrounding this question.
We will unravel how different definitions can give rise to different theories and diverging identifications of brain substrates. In addition, we’ll take some time to refresh key facts about the brain, such as the basis for electrical activity of neurons.
Next, we will survey clinical lesion studies informative about the neuroanatomy of brain structures involved in consciousness, and tease out which cognitive capacities are associated with consciousness, and which are not. Basic physiological and behavioral studies are reviewed.
Today’s consciousness science is heavily influenced by computational models of the brain, which will next capture out attention and be related to various theories of consciousness, such as predictive processing, integrated information theory and neurorepresentationalism. We will examine how different theories give rise to diverging predictions about consciousness in animals, robots and AIs, and how to move empirically forward on these important topics.
Psychological and neuroscientific methods to investigate the neural basis of consciousness will be highlighted. Before we will dive into the clinical neuroscience of Disorders of Consciousness, and how to treat these, we will take a step back and consider how to measure consciousness, a problem considered from a philosophical perspective.
We will finalize the course with a student-led symposium, where you’ll present and discuss your own research proposals developed over the previous weeks.
Cyriel Pennartz
All lectures will take place on-campus and we assume you can be physically present during the scheduled hours. You can find the timetable on Datanose.
Registration is possible for students participating in an Honours programme. The registration period for the Honours courses will be from November 29, 10:00 am to December 3, 11.59 pm. You can register through the online registration form that will appear on Honoursmodules IIS. (registration is NOT through SIS)
Please note: Placement is not guaranteed if you register after December 3, so make sure you register on time. You will hear which course(s) you are registered for before December 15.
For questions about registration, please contact us at: Honours-iis@uva.nl