| 1. |
- Liljenström, Hans, et al.
(author)
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Decisions and Downward Causation in Neural Systems
- 2016
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In: Advances in Cognitive Neurodynamics (V). - Singapore : Springer Singapore. - 9789811002052 ; :5, s. 161-167
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- For any complex system, consisting of several organizational levels, the problem of causation is profound. Usually, science considers upward causation as fundamental, paying less or no attention to any downward causation. This is also true for the nervous system, where cortical neurodynamics and higher mental functions are normally considered causally dependent on the nerve cell activity, or even the activity at the ion channel level. This study presents a computational approach to decision making (DM) and downward causation in cortical neural systems. We have developed models of paleo- and neocortical structures, in order to study their mesoscopic neurodynamics, as a link between the microscopic neuronal and macroscopic mental events and processes. We demonstrate how complex neurodynamics may play a role for the functions of cortical structures. While microscopic random noise may trigger meso- or macroscopic states, the nonlinear dynamics at these levels may also affect the activity at the microscopic level.
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| 2. |
- Liljenström, Hans, et al.
(author)
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Neurodynamics of Decision-Making—A Computational Approach
- 2016
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In: Advances in Cognitive Neurodynamics (V). - Singapore : Springer Singapore. - 9789811002052 ; :5, s. 41-47
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Decision-making is a complex process that normally seems to involve several brain structures. In particular, amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), and lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) seem to be essential in human decision-making, where both emotional and cognitive aspects are taken into consideration. In this paper, we present a stochastic population model representing the neural information processing of decision-making, from perception to behavioral activity. We model the population dynamics of the three neural structures significant in the decision-making process (amygdala, OFC, and LPFC), as well as their interaction. In our model, amygdala and OFC represent the neural correlates of secondary emotion, while the activity of OFC neural populations represents the outcome expectancy of alternatives, and the cognitive aspect of decision-making is controlled by LPFC. The results may have implications for how we make decisions for our individual actions, as well as for societal choices, where we take examples from transport and its impact on climate change.
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