SEMINAR: Consciousness
Consciousness is still a new notion in cognitive science. It was considered to be a notion too vague or subjective to be rigorously and empirically studied with psychological, neuroscience and modeling methods. The situation changed in the last 25 years with the implementation of experimental protocols allowing the systematical comparison of supraliminal (where a stimulus gives rise to a perception associated with consciousness) and subliminal (where a stimulus is dealt without the subjects reporting having perceived anything) perceptions. These protocols enabled implementing cognitive and neuronal models that given legitimacy to empirical sudy of consciousness.
In this seminar, we will start with the study of model of perceptive consciousness that are now classic, which without being completely consensual form a solid base for discussion. I will present basic methods and concepts of the empirical study of consciousness, experimental psychology, neuroscience and modeling. Then, we will look at the boundaries of the field, because of course our consciousness of our perceptions is only one aspect of the question.
Evaluation modalities:
For each theme, we will work from recent articles which will be presented and discussed by students. In order to introduce in real terms the empirical method in cognitive science, il will be systematically asked to propose a specific and realistic survey protocol that will complete the presented works.
Course language: French
- Teaching coordinator: Sackur Jérôme