Open and closed loops: A computational approach to attention and consciousness

Within recent years, researchers have proposed the independence of attention andconsciousness on both empirical and conceptual grounds. However, the elusivenature of these constructs complicates progress in the investigation of theirinteraction. We present a framework within which we conceptualize attention andconsciousness in computational terms. Here, the concepts are consi-dered aslarge-scale, functionally and structurally different processes, embedded in abiologically inspired architecture, spanning the full arc from stimulus toresponse. Our architecture assumes a general independence of attention andconsciousness, but supposes strong interactions. Furthermore, it addresses thedevelopmental aspect, stressing that these functions have to gradually developthrough learning.