Formalization of Damasio's theory of emotion, feeling and core consciousness

Conscious Cogn. 2008 Mar;17(1):94-113. doi: 10.1016/j.concog.2007.06.006. Epub 2007 Aug 8.

Abstract

This paper contributes an analysis and formalization of Damasio's theory on core consciousness. Three important concepts in this theory are 'emotion', 'feeling' and 'feeling a feeling' (or core consciousness). In particular, a simulation model is described of the dynamics of basic mechanisms leading via emotion and feeling to core consciousness, and dynamic properties are formally specified that hold for these dynamics at a more global level. These properties have been automatically checked for the simulation model. Moreover, a formal analysis is made of relevant notions of representation used by Damasio. As part of this analysis, specifications of representation relations have been verified and confirmed against the simulation model.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Consciousness / physiology*
  • Emotions / physiology*
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Neuropsychology / history
  • Psychological Theory
  • Reproducibility of Results

Personal name as subject

  • Antonio Damasio