Typical consciousness is defined as an individual-specific stream of experiences. This paper proposes an alternative approach to studying consciousness by combining modern theories with phenomenology and dynamical systems theory, representing individual connectivity dynamics in an intrinsically-defined landscape. This landscape serves as a proxy for the stream of consciousness. Analysis shows consciousness is linked to less predictable, quicker, but more constant short-term transitions, and less easily describable temporally-specific connectivity states, suggesting a richer state space. Cortex, cerebellum, and subcortex all show consciousness-relevant dynamics.

Peter Coppola, Judith Allanson, Lorina Naci, Ram Adapa, Paola Finoia, Guy B. Williams, John D. Pickard, Adrian M. Owen, David K. Menon, Emmanuel A. Stamatakis