BRAIN BASIS OF SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCE - IN FORMATION SYNTHESIS HYPOTHESIS

The hypothesis is advanced that the events of the subjective experienc e emerge as a result of the synthesis of three kinds of information in the cortical areas Which are crucial for this mental function, The th ree kinds of information are presented by the sensory inputs, reproduc tion from memory, and that from motivational centers, The hypothesis i s based on the studies of brain mechanisms of perception and thinking, It has been shown that sensation emerges as a result of the synthesis of information about the physical parameters and significance of the stimulus performed in the projection cortex neurons. This synthesis is provided by the circular run of nerve impulses from the projection co rtex to associative cortex, then to hippocampus and the hypothalamic m otivation centers with subsequent return to the projection cortex, It has been shown also that in thinking operations the cortical connectio ns converge to definite centers named the interaction foci, Their topo graphy is specific for particular thinking operations. Thus, in imagin ative thinking the foci are located in the temporo-parietal areas and in abstract-verbal thinking in the frontal cortex, It is suggested tha t comparison and synthesis of information in the interaction foci resu lt in decision making.