“Scientists have landed on two leading theories to explain how consciousness emerges: integrated information theory, or IIT, and global neuronal workspace theory, or GNWT. These frameworks couldn’t be more different—they rest on different assumptions, draw from different fields of science and may even define consciousness in different ways”
– Allison Parshall, edited by Jeanna Bryner
To understand when machines achieve “consciousness” scientists must know how this exists in humans. So far, there is no universally accepted conclusion.
This article descrubes efforts to narrow the possibities to two alternative theories.
Where Does Consciousness Come From? Two Neuroscience Theories Go Head-to-Head | SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN | April 30, 2025 | by Allison Parshall and edited by Jeanna Bryner