The brain on the edge of chaos: Self-organized criticality for the neurophysiological capturing of states of consciousness

Abstract

Scientific understanding of consciousness remains an ongoing challenge, with some even arguing that it is beyond the reach of science. While methods like electroencephalography (EEG) provide insights into brain activity, conventional linear analyses fall short in capturing its immense complexity. In this article, the concept of self-organized criticality from physics is applied to the brain. This concept describes a state in which the brain oscillates between order and chaos, enabling optimal information processing. This approach allows the brain to be viewed as a complex dynamic system, and the development of mathematical approaches for quantifying consciousness. This model offers a promising avenue to explain the neural correlates of consciousness and could help to significantly expand our understanding in the field of consciousness research.