Perception as the Essence of Phenomenal Consciousness. The core of the MEM - Motivated Emotional Mind model

Abstract

There is a widespread belief that perception is the foundation of consciousness. This article presents the mechanism that transforms sensory sensing or feelings into the content of phenomenal consciousness. Phenomenal consciousness is always associated with perception. Experiencing qualia and affective states involves the sensory sensing of the organism's internal states. We can feel these states thanks to the multitude of receptors and interoceptors as feelings of subsistence that follow regulatory states towards homeostatic balance. Becoming aware of our thoughts, imaginings, and memories and tracking what is happening around us requires a secondary perception derived from the lowest sensory fields. Propositional awareness, which is not directly based on perception, is learned through secondary sensory perception, influencing planned and undertaken actions. If actions are taken immediately and spontaneously, external sensory perceptions are engaged, whereas if reactions pertain to disturbances in homeostatic or behavioral states, a collection of internal state receptors is involved in perception. The article presents both pioneering ideas found in competing models of the mind, as well as psychological and neurological research that confirms the presented hypotheses.

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