On the Computational Utility of Consciousness

We propose a computational framework for understanding and modeling human consciousness. This framework integrates many existing theoretical perspectives, yet is sufficiently concrete to allow simulation experiments. We do not attempt to explain qualia (subjective experience),but instead ask what differences exist within the cognitive information processing system when a person is conscious ofmentally-represented information versus when that information isunconscious. The central idea we explore is that the contents of consciousness correspond to temporally persistent states in a network of computational modules. Three simulations are described illustratingthat the behavior of persistent states in the models corresponds roughly to the behavior of conscious states people experience when performing similar tasks. Our simulations show that periodic settling to persistent (i.e., conscious) states improves performanceby cleaning up inaccuracies and noise, forcing decisions, and helping keep the system on track toward a solution.