A systematic approach to answering the easy problems of consciousness based on an executable cognitive system

TL;DR

This paper systematically addresses the 'easy problems' of consciousness using an executable cognitive system, demonstrating how core cognitive abilities can be derived from computational mechanisms inspired by Kant's conceptual knowledge.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive computational framework that models key consciousness properties, linking mechanisms to empirical findings and providing demonstrations of the system.

Findings

Discrimination, categorization, and reaction are derived from learning mechanisms.

Attention and deliberate control are linked to emotional states and information manipulation.

Differences between wakefulness and sleep are explained by stimulus sources.

Abstract

Consciousness is the window of the brain and reflects many fundamental cognitive properties involving both computational and cognitive mechanisms. A collection of these properties was described as the "easy problems" by Chalmers, including the ability to discriminate, categorize, and react to stimuli; information integration; reportability; information access; attention; deliberate control; and the difference between wakefulness and sleep. These "easy problems" have not been systematically addressed. This study presents a first attempt to address them systematically based on an executable cognitive system and its implemented computational mechanisms, built upon an understanding of conceptual knowledge proposed by Kant. The study suggests that the abilities to discriminate, categorize, react, report, and integrate information can all be derived from the system's learning mechanism; attention and deliberate control are goal-oriented and can be attributed to emotional states and its information-manipulation mechanism; and the difference between wakefulness and dream sleep lies mainly in the source of stimuli. The connections between the implemented mechanisms in the executive system and conclusions drawn from empirical findings are also discussed, and many of these discussions and conclusions are supported by demonstrations of the executive system.