An attempt is made to distinguish between brain states required to support consciousness and the neuronal underpinnings of conscious versus non-conscious processing in an awake, attentive brain, respectively. It is argued that brain states supporting consciousness are characterised by high dimensional dynamics exhibiting a high degree of complexity, implying that conscious states are graded. Different mechanisms determine whether signals are processed at the conscious or subconscious level. Thus, there is no unique neuronal correlate of consciousness.
Brain dynamics | Complexity | Conscious processing | Conscious state | Content of consciousness | Dimensionality