Temporo-spatial theory of consciousness (TTC): An overview

Consciousness is central to our existence and life. Yet its theoretical foundation and neuronal mechanisms including the brain-mind connection remain elusive. Unlike other neuroscientific theories of consciousness, the temporo-spatial theory of consciousness (TTC) postulates that the most basic and fundamental features of the brain, namely time and space, are key for consciousness. Specifically, the temporo-spatial features which connect the brain to body and environment are supposed to be key in relating neural to mental features – this entails the assumption of their shared “common currency”. That, in turn, makes possible the relationship of neuronal and mental features across the different ranges of their larger (brain) and smaller (consciousness) timescale ranges – this entails their complex (rather than simple) correspondence. Set in such temporo-spatial theoretical framework, four empirical mechanisms are proposed by the TTC: (i) temporo-spatial nestedness for the level/state of consciousness; (ii) temporo-spatial alignment for the form of consciousness; (iii) temporo-spatial expansion for the content of consciousness; and (iv) temporo-spatial globalization for the access to consciousness. The four temporo-spatial mechanisms including their measurements and theoretical background assumptions are strongly based on existing theories and models in physics, mathematics, engineering, signal processing, biology and philosophy. Together, this renders the TTC a strong candidate for a comprehensive, naturalistic, non-reductive, and integrated brain-mind theory of consciousness.