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. 2019 Jul 4;13:24. doi: 10.3389/fnsys.2019.00024

Table 4.

NCC defined according to physical sufficiency.

Physically sufficient NCC
Neural state N1 is a neural correlate physically sufficient for conscious state C1 if, and only if, N1 satisfies the requirements of the physical laws in the actual world for C1.
Reflects standard use Reasonable and coherent Theoretically neutral
Consistent with standard usage since researchers try to identify what characteristics of neurons in the actual world given its physical laws are sufficient for consciousness, which might pertain to their whole nature or something specific about their nature such as their morphological structure, molecular composition, biophysical properties, or function (i.e., spiking rates, oscillation rhythms, spike synchronization, etc.). In addition to being internally consistent, the definition is externally consistent with the logical and metaphysical possibility of zombies. And “zombie agents” can conceptually aid the search for NCC interested in the physical differences that matter to consciousness. Theoretically neutral as it is compatible with a range of views regarding the metaphysics of consciousness. Empirically neutral as it leaves open for empirical investigation the possibility of a neural state correlating with multiple, different conscious states.