A Unifying Framework for the Conscious Experience and a Ground-Up Neuroethics

This research consists of two parts; an experiential investigation and a motivational investigation, where the latter builds upon the former. 

In the experiential investigation, a unifying framework of the conscious experience (CE) is proposed. This framework is called Formology and via the proposed Neural Method, it aims to accommodate claims from theories of consciousness and neuroscience, even when these theories contrast in their view of consciousness such as Recurrent Processing Theory (RPT), Predictive Processing (PP), Active Inference (AIf), Global Neuronal Workspace (GNW) and Integrated Information Theory (IIT). The result of this, is that these claims can be used to answer inside out and outside in questions. 

This is done by first giving an overview of all the ways theories treat the CE and Formology will be defined as an outside in direct relational approach. The type of relations are experiential persistences, called forms, and using this relation, one can retrieve a generic description of the CE. Then, using methods, one can increase the descriptive power by ascribing meaning to these forms, either experientially or transcentally. 

One of these methods is based a certain relationship between the CE and its neural substrate, called the Neural Method. This Neural Method yields two sub-methods, the identity method and the causality method. Claims from RPT are used in the former method, claims from GNW, PP and AIf are used in the latter method. The efficacy of the Neural Method reinforces the claim that the CE is reflective of our neural substrate in many ways, whose realization aids the inside out and outside in inquiry. To allow for the integration of claims from IIT, an Ideal Method would need to be developed. 

In the motivational investigation, a ground up neuro ethics is proposed in three steps. First, a Neural Method suitable account is given of the mechanisms that underlie the CE of so called trials, where trials are decision making processes involving cognitive control. Then, a possible fundamental structure is discussed about the intra- and  inter individual motivational variations in the trial of stories, which is a special kind of trial, followed by a discussion of the practical and theoretical (meta-)ethical consequences. Then, an ethical attitude called Will to Beauty is inspired from this fundamental structure, whose enactment is argued to lead to intra- and inter individual moral progress.

In the first step, two types of trials are discussed which are defined relative to a so called stream, which is characterized by the striatal drive without control. This stream includes amongst others the Pavlovian drive, habitual drive and also a so called moral default. Both types of trial admit a ventral-dorsal gradient and enjoy the Expected Value of Control (EVC) formalism. The first trial, trial of rule, starts due to a rule conflicting with the stream and the tension is between rule and urge. The second trial, trial of plot, starts due to a stream stoppage and the tension is between multiple courses of action. 

Plots are a kind of situational awareness and can be actual or potential, where the actualization of a plot drives action. Of interest are potential plots that are constructed and weighted by the consideration of different options, where these options are either self sought or governed by some choice task. This process is described in detail via a plot dynamics which contains different events such as sampling, sourcing, switching, choosing and judging and these enjoy a formalization via the Meta Cognitive Decision (MCD) model. These plot dynamics are suitable for the Neural Method. These dynamics further allow for a conceptualization of the self and the ego which is relevant for the next step. This second step ends with an intra- and inter analysis of trials, which yield concepts used in the next step.

In the second step, three possible claims are discussed which regard the intra- and inter individual motivational structure in the trial of stories and the sharing of plots. The trial of story is a special trial of plot where the plot itself is the end and not the means. Then a discussion follows about the practical and theoretical consequences, where of special interest is the concept of unity through story and the intra- and inter individual moral progress claims. 

At last, it is discussed how this fundamental structure inspires an neuro ethics called Will to Beauty. Based on enacting two insights, beauty of truth and the beauty of us, this attitude is argued to lead to both intra- and inter moral progress. Besides this, Will to Beauty offers an opening for a neuro-theology.