Consciousness, learning, and control: On the path to a theory

Ch. 3. P. 71–107.

Allakhverdov V., Karpinskaia V.

In the current chapter, we consider the process of learning as a paradoxical one. The paradox is resolved using the Theory of Consciousness developed by Allakhverdov. He states that learning as a cognitive process is dependent on the work of consciousness, and it is consciousness that acts as a general manager of the brain activity and all cognitive processes. Consciousness’ main goal is to constantly verify the outcomes of all the processes acting together. The limitations of learning are explained then not through physiological limitations but by the logics of cognition. The key claim is that it is not the brain or an organism that learns but consciousness that learns how to manage them so that the resultative information of the processes can be extracted. This chapter describes the principles of independent verification and matching of the outcomes that occur on several levels of cognition including implicit processing. The indirect mediator for verification and the process of matching is the signal of the accuracy of the unconscious decisions, subjectively experienced. This signal is experienced when verification and matching of independent results are successful. The consequences then become apparent for the theory of implicit learning. We present empirical evidence throughout the chapter and conclude with the main postulates crucial for the theory of implicit learning.

Keywords: consciousness

In book

Implicit Learning: 50 Years On

Allakhverdov V. Taylor & Francis Group, 2019.