[Consciousness and the brain]

Zh Vyssh Nerv Deiat Im I P Pavlova. 1993 Mar-Apr;43(2):211-8.
[Article in Russian]

Abstract

I.P. Pavlov wrote: "First of all it is important to comprehend psychologically and then translate into physiological language". On the examples of comparison of the evoked potentials with a theory of signal identification (A.M. Ivanitskiĭ) and need-informational theory of emotions (P.V. Simonov) with the "general low of human emotions" (D. Price, J. Barrell) is demonstrated the efficiency of the simultaneous study of the higher brain functions by neurophysiological and psychological methods. Recent experimental data are underlied by the natural-scientific bases of consciousness. From the author's point of view consciousness is knowledge, which by means of words, mathematical symbols and artistic images may be shared with other individuals, with other generations in a form of cultural monuments. Recent studies by O. Grindel' have shown that preservation of connections between the gnostic cortical areas with the verbal brain structures is a necessary condition of consciousness functioning. The subconsciousness is well automatized and because of that no longer conscious skills, well learned social norms controlling behaviour and experienced as "the voice of heart", "the call of duty" etc. Super-Ego by Freud belongs to the subconscious sphere of the psychic. The superconsciousness (creative intuition) is an initial stage of a creative venture, uncontrolled by consciousness and will: initial closing of new temporary connections (whether they conform to the reality or not is defined only later). Actual controversy between determinism and freedom of choice may be removed by the complementation principle. The man is not free (determined) from the point of view of an external observer, who considers the determination of the man by genetic factors and educational conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

MeSH terms

  • Brain / physiology*
  • Consciousness / physiology*
  • Ego
  • Emotions / physiology
  • Higher Nervous Activity / physiology
  • Humans
  • Psychophysiology
  • Superego
  • Unconscious, Psychology