TED-Ed: What is consciousness? - Michael S. A. Graziano

The video explores the concept of consciousness through the case of PS, a patient with hemispatial neglect. It discusses how the brain processes information and forms models of perception and self-awareness. Theories suggest consciousness is an imperfect self-model of the brain's activity. Research using MRI studies shows specific brain networks are involved in conscious perception. Despite progress, much about consciousness remains unknown.

What condition did PS suffer from that affected her awareness of the left side of her visual field?

• Aphasia

• Hemispatial neglect

• Visual agnosia

• Prosopagnosia

What is one theory about the origin of consciousness discussed in the video?

• Consciousness is a perfect representation of reality.

• Consciousness is the brain's imperfect picture of its own activity.

• Consciousness is unrelated to brain activity.

• Consciousness is solely a product of external stimuli.

How does the brain's model of white light differ from reality?

• It captures all color wavelengths accurately.

• It perceives white light as having no brightness.

• It ignores white light completely.

• It codes white light as brightness without color.

Why does the brain not track individual cells or muscles in its model of the body?

• Because it is unnecessary for planning movement.

• Because it lacks the capacity to do so.

• Because it only tracks the brain's activity.

• Because it focuses only on external objects.

What is necessary for the brain to effectively control focus?

• A model of its own attention

• A model of external objects

• A model of emotional responses

• A model of language processing

What do MRI studies reveal about consciousness and neural activation?

• Visual processing areas are only active when conscious.

• Consciousness is unrelated to neural activation.

• All brain areas deactivate when conscious.

• An additional network activates when conscious of an image.

What can extensive damage to the consciousness-related network lead to?

• A vegetative state

• Enhanced sensory perception

• Increased attention span

• Improved memory