Global Workspace Theory
Source: Baars, A Cognitive Theory of Consciousness, 1988; Dehaene, Consciousness and the Brain, 2014 Institution: Multiple
Finding
Baars proposed consciousness arises from broadcasting information to a global workspace accessible to multiple cognitive processes. Dehaene formalized this neurally, predicting an “ignition” pattern where local processing suddenly becomes globally available. This pattern has been confirmed empirically. Vast unconscious processing occurs in parallel; only a narrow stream reaches conscious broadcast. The capacity limitation is structural, not a defect.
Pattern Mapping
Alignment — Conscious broadcast aligns perception, action, and verbal report. When these become misaligned (as in blindsight), the workspace has failed to integrate the information.
Proportion — Limited conscious capacity is proportion, not flaw. The system processes enormous amounts unconsciously and broadcasts only what needs coordinated response. This is the Knowledge-Action Gap as architecture: vast knowing, narrow acting.
Connections
- Integrated Information Theory — competing theory; GWT emphasizes broadcast, IIT emphasizes integration
- Higher-Order Theories of Consciousness — HOT requires meta-representation; GWT requires broadcasting — different mechanisms for the same transition
- Gut-Brain Axis — the gut-brain axis is a two-node broadcast system; GWT describes multi-node broadcast in the brain
- Blood-Brain Barrier — both define what gets through: BBB for molecules, workspace for information (→ Meta-Pattern 02 - The Boundary Pre-Exists)
- Hox Genes — both show hierarchical modularity: Hox genes specify regions, the workspace coordinates modules
Status
Among the most empirically supported consciousness theories. Ignition pattern confirmed. No major controversy on core predictions.
The mapping to the five properties is this project’s structural interpretation.