Brain Architecture for an Intelligent Stream of Consciousness - Brain Theory from a Circuits and Systems Perspective - page 25

A technical term for what the recall referee must accomplish is multiple match
resolution. Multiple match resolution avoids neural overload while assessing each
return, calculating a priority value for each. Priorities are computed in parallel to
speed the process of recall. The highest priority images are gated into conscious
STM, giving a stream of consciousness one image at a time.
Returns may occur many per second, so a lot of searching is possible subcon-
sciously. They come forth in rapid succession and are parked in biological registers
where calculations are accomplished. The priority computation will contain
emotional factors, and survival factors, and others integrated into each word of
LTM [ 5 , 6 ]; these have been well discussed [ 7 ]. Priorities are compared. That image
with the highest priority is gated into conscious STM to become one's next thought.
Recall editing is accomplished with a novel method of parallel processing
using recursive neurons operating as controlled toggles. All this is discussed in
subsequent chapters.
The Nature of Decisions
Decisions Based on Past Experience
There is a theory that decisions are made not by free will in the sense of personal
spur-of-the-moment choices, but by a search process that depends on past
experiences and training. Often a ready-made decision is available based on past
similar situations held in LTM, as for example when you are asked to donate to a
cause that you do not like. A “no” answer is preprogrammed. Decisions, therefore,
are affected by past experiences, what you did in similar situations, and whether or
not an action supports your basic philosophy.
There is some evidence that free will is an illusion [ 8 , 9 ]. Electroencephalography
concerning the timing of finger movements, published by Benjamin Libit and others,
indicates that choices are made in the brain without knowledge by the person
involved; decisions were made well before a person realized it. Surprisingly, the
brain seems to be in control, making decisions, and eventually informing conscious-
ness. It is not the other way around, in which a “person” makes a conscious decision
(without the aid of his or her brain), and then informs the brain.
Decisions with a Random Variable
It may be noted that a brain appears to search itself continuously in the background
not only for forgotten facts and situations but also for solutions to problems.
A problem could mean a real problem with no easy logical solution, for example,
trying to open a complex combinational lock without knowing the combination.
Trying all possibilities systematically requires excessive time. It is more practical to