How Brain Makes Mind: The Principles of Operation (Part I)

Abstract

We present the principles of operation by which a brain makes a mind, at all scales necessary to cover the whole problem. We inventory the necessary capabilities for a mind. We divide conscious mind into four layers of increasing elaboration. For the principles of operations of the lower two layers, we provide the STFC theory. For the upper two, we provide the STHC theory. We survey the evolutionary progression from first twinge of experience to human capacities. We explain the types of memory and problem-solving we carry and by what structures they are made to happen. We compare to prior works and review the philosophical implications and stance. All of this is done with minimal incoming assumptions, and those made are declared.

Part I of this four-part article includes: 1. Introduction; 2. All the Elements of Mind; 3. A Multiscale Problem; 4. Definitions; 5. Important Assumptions; 6. Levels of Consciousness; 7. The Four-Layer Architecture: The Gross Architecture of Consciousness; 8. Consciousness Architecture Layer 1: Fundamental Consciousness; 9. Sites of Fundamental Consciousness in the Brain; 10. The Nature of Sentience; and 11. Consciousness Architecture Layer 2: Sentience.