6.2 The spotlight of consciousness (Global Workspace Theory)

Another prominent theory of consciousness is called the ‘Global Workspace Theory’, which was proposed by Bernard Baars and extended by Stanislas Dehaene. The theory posits that information from various input sources comes together into a ‘global neuronal workspace’, made up of a constantly changing network of neurons. Imagine this as a kind of ‘theatre stage’ for the mind, with metaphorical actors moving in and out, making speeches or interacting with each other. The ‘spotlight’ of our consciousness shines a bright spot on the stage, which can then be broadcast to the areas in the brain associated with specific tasks.